benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən 

-zō-, 

-ˌwēn  -ˌzȯin 

1

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant

2

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

Examples of benzoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amber perfumes contain notes like vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, and benzoin. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 Feb. 2026

The benzoin keeps it from getting too sharp, and the vetiver adds some depth without fighting with the rhubarb. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Jan. 2026

And the base has vanilla bean absolute from Madagascar, mixed with benzoin resinoid and cistus absolute. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026

The addition of classic solar notes like benzoin, vanilla orchid, and amber woods ensures the sugary sweetness never becomes too sweet or headache-inducing. — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lubān jāwi, literally, frankincense of Java

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for benzoin

• adjoin
• bitcoin
• conjoin
• enjoin
• rejoin
• sirloin
• subjoin
• coin
• coyne
• groin
• join
• koine

Medical Definition

benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən  -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin 

1

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax of the family Styracaceae) of southeastern Asia used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations

2

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

3

: a tree yielding benzoin