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
The act of creating pretend makeup or putting on the occasional swipe of real lip balm can also reinforce fine-motor and planning skills, Keough told me.
—Faran Krentcil, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
The consistency of eye creams and also lip balms often are very similar.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
Now taking place in 2018, the teen romance is a balm for audiences hoping to find the tenderness and connection lacking in modern times.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 7 May 2025
This multi-purpose balm is capable of many, many things: mix it with lipstick to turn mattes into moisturizing balms, slick it through unruly brows to tame strays, dab it on red patches for a soothing moisture hit, or condition lashes from root to tip.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Faran Krentcil, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
The consistency of eye creams and also lip balms often are very similar.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
Now taking place in 2018, the teen romance is a balm for audiences hoping to find the tenderness and connection lacking in modern times.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 7 May 2025
This multi-purpose balm is capable of many, many things: mix it with lipstick to turn mattes into moisturizing balms, slick it through unruly brows to tame strays, dab it on red patches for a soothing moisture hit, or condition lashes from root to tip.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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