incense

1 of 3

noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

2

: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned

broadly : a pleasing scent

3

: pleasing attention : flattery

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to apply or offer incense to

2

: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

2

archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

Synonyms

Noun

• scent
• fragrance
• aroma
• perfume

Verb (1)

• scent
• perfume

Verb (2)

• anger
• infuriate
• enrage

Examples of incense in a Sentence

Noun

the heavenly incense of spring flowers

count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

Verb (1)

the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

Verb (2)

the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Adjacent to the space is the lobby, an area perfumed with copal incense and adorned with jewel-toned seating. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025

Air quality alerts were in effect on Tuesday for millions of residents across New York, Connecticut, and Southern California, as forecasters and health officials urged the public to avoid burning candles, incense, and other indoor pollutants. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Verb

The successive decisions have increasingly incensed the court's liberals. —ABC News, 7 July 2025

Dozens of veterans who had turned out for the March hearing were incensed. —Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing incense

• incense cedar

Rhymes for incense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• intense
• missense
• offence

Kids Definition

incense

1 of 2 noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

a

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

b

: the odor so produced

2

: a pleasing scent

incense

2 of 2 verb

in·​cense

in-ˈsen(t)s

incensed; incensing

: to make very angry