frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

Examples of frankincense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oud Zarian is smooth, resinous, and elevated by frankincense, rose, and ginger. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025

The ancient Nabataeans were also formidable traders, trekking the deserts of the Arabian and Sinai peninsulas to deliver, among other goods, aromatic frankincense prized for its use in religious ceremonies. —Emily Feng, NPR, 27 Aug. 2025

Three Kings Gifts in Cockeysville, Maryland, specializes in nativity sets and small chests of gold, frankincense, and myrrh — the three gifts given to baby Jesus in the Bible. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025

Boswellia extract is also referred to as Indian frankincense. —Carol Eustice, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense "of high quality") + encens incense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frankincense

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• ninepence
• nondefense
• penitence
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense
• fence

Kids Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense

Medical Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

called also olibanum