myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora myrrha of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia

also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

Examples of myrrh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is largely thanks to the materials applied to the mummies, which included scented waxes, coniferous resins and oils made from pine, cedar, and juniper, as well as gum resins such as frankincense and myrrh. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2025

Limbo combines rhubarb, ylang-ylang, hay, myrrh, and sandalwood to create a lush, green aroma. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025

The natural fragrance includes notes of tart, rum, tuberose, myrrh, tolu balsam, cherry, and cacao—the latter two created from upcycled food-industry waste. —airmail.news, 11 Jan. 2025

Frankincense and myrrh are herbs burned to cover the stench of death. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English myrre, from Old English, from Latin myrrha, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic murr myrrh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for myrrh

• birr
• blur
• bur
• cur
• er
• fir
• fur
• furr
• gurr
• her
• murr
• per

Kids Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a brown slightly bitter gum obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin that is obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) especially of East Africa and Arabia (as C. myrrha or C. abyssinica) and has been used in the manufacture of dentifrices and as a carminative and a stimulating tonic compare bdellium