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
Enter the juicy lip stain, the modern beauty hybrid that merges a non-sticky lip balm with the enduring color payoff of a stain into a single swipe.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
For even more granular results, leave it on as a mask for ten or so minutes, once weekly, and watch as the balm’s blend of nine essential oils soothes, softens, and clarifies.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
For even more granular results, leave it on as a mask for ten or so minutes, once weekly, and watch as the balm’s blend of nine essential oils soothes, softens, and clarifies.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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