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

How to Wash Cotton Skin Care Gloves Cotton gloves used for skin care should be washed regularly to keep them free of bacteria that can cause skin irritation and to prevent product buildup from creams, balms, and ointments used to treat skin conditions. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

Everything from chips and Chanel lip balm to high-tech glasses and luxurious perfumes. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025

The arts have been a balm for the soul, for individuals young and old, from every background, and political persuasion. —Malik Robinson, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

The products, which range in price from 35 euros for a single cleansing balm to 165 euros for the Age Defy kit, are available at the Innerskin clinics, and on the brand’s website. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 3 Dec. 2025

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