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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To achieve the bruise-like purple that Ortega wears in the show, Jalalvand combined the lip liner and mixed it with a clear lip balm base to give the shade a softer look. Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 This Apple Butter Cleansing Balm — the first cleansing balm for the brand — has a rich, apple-butter–like texture and a delicious crisp apple scent. Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 But don’t panic — this Virgo new moon eclipse is a healing balm. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Aug. 2025 With a line of refillable lipsticks, lip balms and eyeshadow palettes, the move signals Louis Vuitton’s attempt to reach a broader customer base, presenting an opportunity for new customers to become part of the unique Louis Vuitton world at a more affordable entry price. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balm

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of balm was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

balm

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on balm

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