balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

1

: a balsamic (see balsamic sense 1) resin

especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)

2

: an aromatic preparation (such as a healing ointment)

applied a balm to the wound

3

botany : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family

especially : lemon balm

4

: a spicy aromatic odor

… the white lilies in the garden, the herb bed near the bees—everything sent out fragrance and balm into the soft air …

—Agnes S. Turnbull

5

: a soothing restorative agency

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.

—Jane Austen

Synonyms of balm

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• aroma
• perfume

Examples of balm in a Sentence

Art can be a balm to the soul.

She shows that laughter is a balm for difficult times.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tatcha just launched its lip balm this month, drawing inspiration from the Geisha tradition of melting candy on their lips to achieve a glossy finish—arguably the original lip gloss. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

Prices vary, but a tub of tallow balm at Target costs about $15 more than a tub of petroleum jelly. —Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Jennifer Lawrence keeps her lips hydrated with an Isla Beauty lip balm during a day out in New York on April 13. —Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

This is a hydrating, high-shine balm in several sheer colors. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing balm

• balm of Gilead
• bee balm
• lemon balm

Rhymes for balm

• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• palm
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

1

: resin from small tropical evergreen trees

2

: a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)

3

: something that comforts or refreshes

Medical Definition

balm

noun

ˈbä(l)m, New England also ˈbȧm

1

: a balsamic resin

especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)

2

: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)

3

: a soothing restorative agency