frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s

Definition of frankincense

: 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 Create a serene atmosphere with the comforting scents of frankincense, cypress, lavender, and bergamot. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, "5 Best Essential Oil Blends to Naturally Soothe You to Sleep," 18 Feb. 2021 Daly likens frankincense fever to the oil wars fought in modern times. — Eleanor Cummins, Popular Science, "What are frankincense and myrrh, anyway?," 23 Dec. 2020 The herbal extract, otherwise known as Indian frankincense, is used to reduce inflammation and to treat arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. — Erin Alberty, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah pharmacist central to hydroxychloroquine controversy pleads guilty in federal court," 15 Jan. 2021 As early as the 2nd century, they were promoted to kings, probably because frankincense is associated with royalty in one of the Psalms. — Time, "Here's What History Can Tell Us About the Magi," 29 Dec. 2020 According to the Gospel, the men had followed a star to the house where Jesus and Mary were and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. — Time, "Here's What History Can Tell Us About the Magi," 29 Dec. 2020 Today, gold, frankincense, and myrrh seem like unequal gifts. — Eleanor Cummins, Popular Science, "What are frankincense and myrrh, anyway?," 23 Dec. 2020 These nontraditional factors could be at play for those whose holidays involve loneliness, isolation and depression instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh. — Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com, "Find antidotes to blue Christmas with a phone call to an old friend or a walk outside," 21 Dec. 2020 Or frankincense and myrrh -- two of the holiday fragrances, along with peppermint vanilla and pure noel. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, "Give the holiday gift of frankincense and myrrh -- made in Rocky River," 15 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frankincense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Frankincense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankincense. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for frankincense

frankincense

noun

English Language Learners Definition of frankincense

: a substance that is burned for its sweet smell and that was used in religious ceremonies in ancient times

See the full definition for frankincense in the English Language Learners Dictionary

frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsens

Kids Definition of frankincense

: a plant gum that is burned for its sweet smell

frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s

Medical Definition of frankincense

: 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

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