balm

noun

\ 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 Phrases Containing balm Learn More About balm

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 My favorite lip balm is the Laneige Lip Sleep Mask. — Talia Abbas, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2022 And its now-$11 glowy balm is a great way to see what all of the hype is about without spending a ton. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, PEOPLE.com, 13 July 2022 Finally, the Peptide Lip Treatment goes beyond your regular lip balm by protecting and plumping your pucker while minimizing fine lines and boosting volume. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Safeguard your lips throughout your beach day with your favorite lip balm or oil. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 May 2022 Instead, two unobtrusive zippered hand pockets offer enough storage for small essentials like lip balm while lying flat against the thigh for minimal bulk. — Amy Jurries, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2020 But in a city where summers can hang heavy with strife, the CSO’s concerts in Millennium Park, the city’s symbolic heart — with other visits in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015 — feel like a special balm. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2022 In the cooling shade of the Gobi tent, the music felt like a balm for the noise and hubbub of the weekend to come. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2022 Over 300 Nordstrom customers are raving about this nourishing cleansing balm that's available in a jumbo size at the sale. — Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 July 2022 See More

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.