incense

noun in·cense \ ˈin-ˌsen(t)s \

Definition of incense

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

See incense defined for English-language learners

See incense defined for kids

Examples of incense in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of incense

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

incense Synonyms

incense

verb

Definition of incense

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1 : to apply or offer incense to

2 : to perfume with incense

First Known Use of incense

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

incense

verb in·cense \ in-ˈsen(t)s \

Definition of incense

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

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

2 : to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

Origin and Etymology of incense

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

INCENSE Defined for English Language Learners

incense

noun

Definition of incense for English Language Learners

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

INCENSE Defined for Kids

incense

noun in·cense \ ˈin-ˌsens \

Definition of incense for Students

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

incense

verb in·cense \ in-ˈsens \

Definition of incense for Students

incensed; incensing

: to make very angry

… the cabin party were incensed at me for my desertion …
—Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

Learn More about incense

See 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

Seen and Heard

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

show

incense

Definition of incense

Examples of incense in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of incense

incense Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

incense

Definition of incense

First Known Use of incense

incense

Definition of incense

Origin and Etymology of incense

INCENSE Defined for English Language Learners

incense

Definition of incense for English Language Learners

INCENSE Defined for Kids

incense

Definition of incense for Students

incense

Definition of incense for Students

Learn More about incense

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes