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 Learn More About balm

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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 Back in 2017, the show felt at once like a warped, fun-house mirror reflection of the times and a soothing balm. — Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2021 Surprise your mom by choosing a colorful lip balm that is designed to complement her hair color! — Robin Raven, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021 From its best-selling cleansing balm to its nourishing lip mask, the brand seeks to deepen people's skincare routines with the most efficacious products. — Dale Arden Chong, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2021 From shea body butters to exfoliating cleansers to a moisturizing lip balm, Hahahana’s mockup continues traditional self-care modules with present day advancements. — Nandi Howard, Essence, 26 Mar. 2021 The growth oil and balm features no additives or harsh ingredients. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 24 Mar. 2021 Selfishly for us, the sound of their laughter was a balm. — Washington Post, 4 June 2021 For the art-starved, the summer 2021 exhibitions will be a balm, especially in London. — Sarah Turner, Forbes, 28 May 2021 The clink of ice in a glass, the clatter of a good shake, the smooth stream of a measured pour — the sounds of cocktail hour can be a balm. — Rebekah Peppler, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2021

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.