frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce frankincense (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ancient Nabataeans were also formidable traders, trekking the deserts of the Arabian and Sinai peninsulas to deliver, among other goods, aromatic frankincense prized for its use in religious ceremonies. Emily Feng, NPR, 27 Aug. 2025 Boswellia extract is also referred to as Indian frankincense. Carol Eustice, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2025 Its rich, woody and amber profile is layered with bergamot, frankincense,sandalwood and rose centifolia (a blend from Tunisia, Turkey and Morocco)—each note a tribute to global heritage and artisanal purity. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 The blessings can vary, but basically entail him reading selected Bible passages with frankincense burning, exorcism salt, and Holy Water. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frankincense

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of frankincense was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frankincense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankincense. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

frankincense

noun
frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce frankincense (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce frankincense (audio)
: 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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