benzoin
noun
ben·zo·in
ˈben-zə-wən 
-ˌzȯin
-zō-,
-ˌwēn
-ˌzȯin
1
: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant
2
: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C14H12O2 made from benzaldehyde
Examples of benzoin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zoologist Squid This award winning aquatic fragrance is meant to evoke the deep sea with notes of pink pepper, black ink accord, benzoin and musk.
—
Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The best amber perfumes typically contain a blend of labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, which come together to create a scent that’s warm, resinous, and rich, Khodzhayan says.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
Darker and more sensual, Black Moonlight has a base of patchouli, vetiver, Tonka bean, and benzoin, which is overlayered with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, as well as saffron, lavender, Sambac jasmine, and hazelnut.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
The benzoin and sandalwood in the base aren’t just beautiful, but they’re responsibly sourced through partnerships that set new industry standards.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025
The soft citrus floral feels light and fresh, with top notes of jasmine petals and lemon, a heart of frangipani and ylang ylang, and a base of sandalwood and benzoin.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Mortel Noir is a unisex, limited edition parfum that surrounds senses in intense, spicy and mystical essences of Madagascar black pepper, incense, myrrh, and benzoin.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
Moss contributes an earthy, green note that grounds the scent, while benzoin offers a sweet, balsamic richness.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024
The base of Sirène anchors the fragrance with a blend of moss, benzoin, cistus, labdanum, and cypriol.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024
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.
Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The best amber perfumes typically contain a blend of labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, which come together to create a scent that’s warm, resinous, and rich, Khodzhayan says.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
Darker and more sensual, Black Moonlight has a base of patchouli, vetiver, Tonka bean, and benzoin, which is overlayered with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, as well as saffron, lavender, Sambac jasmine, and hazelnut.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
The benzoin and sandalwood in the base aren’t just beautiful, but they’re responsibly sourced through partnerships that set new industry standards.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025
The soft citrus floral feels light and fresh, with top notes of jasmine petals and lemon, a heart of frangipani and ylang ylang, and a base of sandalwood and benzoin.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Mortel Noir is a unisex, limited edition parfum that surrounds senses in intense, spicy and mystical essences of Madagascar black pepper, incense, myrrh, and benzoin.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
Moss contributes an earthy, green note that grounds the scent, while benzoin offers a sweet, balsamic richness.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024
The base of Sirène anchors the fragrance with a blend of moss, benzoin, cistus, labdanum, and cypriol.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Benzoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoin. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
benzoin
noun
ben·zo·in
ˈben-zə-wən
-ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin
-ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin
1
: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax of the family Styracaceae) of southeastern Asia used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations
2
: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C14H12O2 made from benzaldehyde
3
: a tree yielding benzoin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share