balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

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

: balm sense 5

Examples of balsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The unique scent combines invigorating notes of fresh lemon peel and eucalyptus and balances them with green apple, cinnamon, pine wood, and fir balsam to make your home smell refreshing with a seasonal flair. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025

Less than two hours after sunrise, with the shadows still blue and slanting hard in a dense growth of balsam firs and spruces, the baby bird blundered into a fine black net strung along the ridgeline of Mount Mansfield, at 4,393 feet Vermont’s tallest mountain. —Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing balsam

• balsam fir
• balsam poplar
• Canada balsam

Kids Definition

balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

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

: balm sense 2

balsamic

bȯl-ˈsam-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

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

: balm sense 3

balsamic

bȯl-ˈsam-ik 

adjective