frankincense

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 The gifts —gold, frankincense and myrrh — symbolized his royalty, divinity and mortality. — Silvia Foster-frau, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio’s Puerto Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day," 5 Jan. 2020 According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. — al, "When should I take my Christmas tree down?," 4 Jan. 2020 It's made of 34 highly therapeutic ingredients, according to the brand, like Indian frankincense, pearl powder, and Himalayan cedar. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Why Taza Ayurveda Nourish Eladi Body Oil Is Worth It," 20 Nov. 2019 The gift-giving theme at the Nativity continues with the wise men from the east, who according to the Gospel of Matthew brought the expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honor Jesus. — al, "Christmas is about giving, and the importance of a gift, pastors say," 24 Dec. 2019 The smell of frankincense burning in coffee shops is testament to the number of Ethiopians who have left behind ethnic conflict, too. — The Economist, "Yeoville Hard times and hotplates in the most diverse district in Africa," 18 Dec. 2019 The Gospel of Matthew tells that the magi (the three wise men) follow a star to Bethlehem to bring gifts (gold (turmeric), frankincense, and myrrh) to Jesus, born the king of the Jews. — The Rev. Ellin Dize, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Dize: Jesus is the reason for the season and Christmas is an inclusive holiday," 30 Nov. 2019 With older trees dying fast and no young ones coming up to replace them, the frankincense woodlands will soon disappear, experts said. — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "Frankincense in trouble: Iconic 'Gift of the Magi' is in decline," 2 July 2019 The dish soaps come in pink lilac, lavender and grapefruit, peppermint and lemon, frankincense and pine, and unscented. — BostonGlobe.com, "Rebel Green Deluxe Dish Soap stands out - The Boston Globe," 10 Sep. 2019

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

14 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Frankincense.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankincense. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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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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