balm

\ ˈbä(l)m

Definition of balm

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about balm

Keep scrolling for more

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 Hiring the then-37-year-old felt like a perfect balm to ease the fanbase’s angst following the firing of Rick Barnes. — Nick Moyle, ExpressNews.com, "With Texas’ regular season winding down, Chris Del Conte still standing by Shaka Smart," 20 Feb. 2020 Unlike some liquid formulas that are too watery, Lip Maestro has a creamy consistency that’s more like lip balm. — Jessica Cruel, Allure, "Score Two Giorgio Armani Lipsticks and More in Allure’s February Beauty Box," 14 Feb. 2020 The lip balm is infused with Coconut oil and jojoba esters that deliver long-lasting moisture. — Jennifer Ford, Essence, "Glow Recipe Has Juicy News," 24 Jan. 2020 Aim for creamy textures like a balm or oil, and be sure to watch the water temperature when washing your face. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "The Best Face Washes to Swap Into Your Morning Routine," 28 Mar. 2019 The downside, of course, is that the natural absorption of HA happens much faster when it’s applied topically, so think of this one more like a supercharged lip balm than a baby sister to fillers. — Emily Dudding, Harper's BAZAAR, "How To Get Bigger Lips," 26 July 2017 There is so much more in this world than your conscious force of willpower can even begin to grasp, Scorpio, and this can feel like a balm for your overtaxed soul. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes October 8-14," 8 Oct. 2014 Lip balm maker Carmex is turning to local art students for its latest social media campaign. — John Steppe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Carmex turns to MIAD students for latest social media campaign," 10 Feb. 2020 Eliminate the remaining lip balm by melting it away. — Popular Science, "Winter-proof your lips with this DIY lip balm," 17 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'balm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.