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

Gauge the matter by protecting your energy from hurt by regularly cleansing your home and space with herbs like sage and frankincense. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 17 July 2025

Erik burns old ancient white sage and frankincense to clean out the bad energy and bring in good energy during the event. —Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Besides the digital detox, there’s a jet lag revival massage that uses frankincense to reset circadian rhythms, and Chinese therapies that employ rhythmic compression techniques to establish a harmonious energy flow. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

This three-piece moisturizer set features distinct scents—vetiver and bergamot, lavender and chamomile, and rose, neroli, and frankincense. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025

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