frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

Examples of frankincense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scent—redolent of cedarwood, sandalwood, pomegranate, and frankincense—sets a calm, grounding tone for any visit. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

Natural elements such as date seeds, almond shells, and frankincense have also been used in the preparation of kohl, as has soot collected by burning oil. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026

While each of its scents are worth trying, this decadent blend of bergamot, cedar, and frankincense is perhaps the most enticing. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

This is Fazayah, a strip of seven white beaches under rocky slopes dotted with knobbly frankincense trees and squat desert rose trees. —Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense "of high quality") + encens incense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frankincense

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• ninepence
• nondefense
• penitence
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense
• fence

Kids Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense

Medical Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

called also olibanum