balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants
especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine
b
: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
a
: a balsam-yielding tree
especially : balsam fir
b
: impatiens
especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)
3

Examples of balsam in a Sentence

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.
Firewood and Spice Candle Firewood and Spice evokes scents of a fall bonfire with a twist thanks to its notes of oakwood and balsam that pair with chestnut, pumpkin, allspice, and cassia. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025 The coconut wax blend layers fir needle, balsam, oak moss, and a hint of petrichor (a note that evokes the forest floor after rain). Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025 Skip the sheep-counting and cup of chamomile, and luxuriate in the sleep-inducing blend of calming lavender oil, soothing balsam resin, moisturizing sweet almond oil, and relaxing magnesium salt flakes instead. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 This section also cruises through the most interesting terrain, from natural springs pouring into the river to limestone outcroppings to expansive forests of balsam firs. Graham Averill, Outside, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balsam

Word History

Etymology

Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāshām balsam

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of balsam was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balsam. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

balsam

noun
bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: a fragrant and usually oily substance that slowly flows from various plants
b
: a preparation containing or smelling like balsam
2
a
: a balsam-yielding tree (as balsam fir)
b
: impatiens
especially : one grown as an ornamental
3
balsamic
bȯl-ˈsam-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

balsam

noun
bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants
especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine
b
: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
: a balsam-yielding tree
3
balsamic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on balsam

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