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
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
Agnes S. Turnbull5
: a soothing restorative agency
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.—Jane Austen
Jane AustenExamples 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
Newer entries like Ouai’s repair balm and Maria Nila’s bond builder are only expanding the category further by creating formulas that work for different hair types or use at other parts of one’s regimen.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2026
The under-$40 product is a lipstick, lip balm, and lip tint, all in one.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
To complete your routine, check out more makeup that doubles as skincare below, like Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin foundation from the same collection, tinted lip balms with SPF, hydrating under-eye brighteners, and more.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Bee balm is another low-maintenance plant and can be found in woodlands in the wild, but its red, pink, purple, and white flowers grow best in gardens that receive direct sunlight.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2026
The under-$40 product is a lipstick, lip balm, and lip tint, all in one.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
To complete your routine, check out more makeup that doubles as skincare below, like Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin foundation from the same collection, tinted lip balms with SPF, hydrating under-eye brighteners, and more.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Bee balm is another low-maintenance plant and can be found in woodlands in the wild, but its red, pink, purple, and white flowers grow best in gardens that receive direct sunlight.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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