incense

1 of 3

noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
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 How to pronounce incense (audio)
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 How to pronounce incense (audio)
incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

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
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.
Noun
Subtle Art Studios Glass Tile Incense Holder How cute is this incense holder? Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024 These days, Christmas lovers descend upon the market’s 100-plus stands in search of Austrian specialties, festive incense aromas, traditional crafts, and decorations for the tree—all found within traditional huts. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
So when right-back Alvaro Arbeloa came out of nowhere to get to a square pass across the box to tap in ahead of Ronaldo, the Portugal star was incensed. Elias Burke, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 Naturally, Brancato’s incensed, and when McGee strolls into MTAC, the general orders him to arrest his boss. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incense 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near incense

Cite this Entry

“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

incense

1 of 2 noun
in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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