incense

1 of 3

noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

2

: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned

broadly : a pleasing scent

3

: pleasing attention : flattery

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to apply or offer incense to

2

: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

2

archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

Synonyms

Noun

• scent
• fragrance
• aroma
• perfume

Verb (1)

• scent
• perfume

Verb (2)

• anger
• infuriate
• enrage

Examples of incense in a Sentence

Noun

the heavenly incense of spring flowers

count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

Verb (1)

the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

Verb (2)

the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

By the time Melanie Fiona hit the stage at Tower Grove Park, the air was thick with incense, barbecue smoke, and the sound of Black folks exhaling. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 Sep. 2025

During the ritual, a trio of local men played Balinese instruments as incense floated through the air. —Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025

Verb

While the Terrans struggle to suppress a rebel faction incensed by humanity's alliance with the alien Vasudans, they're caught unawares by the return of an existential threat to the peace-loving species of the galaxy. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Watching the footage at his desk, Nicholas was incensed. —Jennifer Gonnerman, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing incense

• incense cedar

Rhymes for incense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• intense
• missense
• offence

Kids Definition

incense

1 of 2 noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

a

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

b

: the odor so produced

2

: a pleasing scent

incense

2 of 2 verb

in·​cense

in-ˈsen(t)s

incensed; incensing

: to make very angry