benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən 

-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

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lubān jāwi, literally, frankincense of Java

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for benzoin

• phenytoin
• tenderloin
• adjoin
• bitcoin
• conjoin
• enjoin
• fibroin
• rejoin
• sirloin
• subjoin
• coin
• coyne

Medical Definition

benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən  -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