Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

incense

noun
in·​cense | \ ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio) \

Definition of incense

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

verb (1)
incensed; incensing

Definition of incense (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to apply or offer incense to
2 : to perfume with incense

incense

verb (2)
in·​cense | \ in-ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio) \
incensed; incensing

Definition of incense (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
2 : to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about incense

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for incense

Synonyms: Noun

aroma, attar (also otto), balm, bouquet, fragrance, fragrancy, perfume, redolence, scent, spice

Antonyms: Noun

fetor, malodor, reek, stench, stink

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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

First Known Use of incense

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 1

History and Etymology for incense

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

Verb (2)

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about incense

Statistics for incense

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for incense

The first known use of incense was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for incense

incense

noun
How to pronounce incense (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of incense

: a substance that is used often in religious ceremonies to produce a strong and pleasant smell when it is burned

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

incense

noun
in·​cense | \ ˈin-ˌsens How to pronounce incense (audio) \

Kids Definition of incense

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: material used to produce a strong and pleasant smell when burned

incense

verb
in·​cense | \ in-ˈsens How to pronounce incense (audio) \
incensed; incensing

Kids Definition of incense (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make very angry … the cabin party were incensed at me for my desertion …— Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with incense

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incense

Spanish Central: Translation of incense

Nglish: Translation of incense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of incense for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incense

Comments on incense

What made you want to look up incense? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

inexorable

Listen to the pronounciation of inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
TRENDING NOW

  1. surveillance Comey comments on Barr's use of 'spy'

  2. cavalier Virginia wins men's championship

  3. redact, redacted Barr discusses release of report

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games