myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

|Updated on: 4 Jun 2018

Definition of myrrh

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

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See myrrh defined for kids

Recent Examples of myrrh from the Web

The concrete-like soap is made from a variety of oils that have been cast in a silicone mold and combined with a myrrh resin to give it a concrete-like color and texture.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "Tetra Soap brings Brutalism to personal hygiene," 22 May 2018
These cleansing baths involved chanting prayers, rubbing frankincense and eucalyptus oils and sea salt on their bodies, and burning myrrh, the newspaper reported.

— chris harris, PEOPLE.com, "Mass. Women Allegedly Burned, Disfigured 5-Year-Old in Voodoo Ritual to 'Rid Her of a Demon'," 5 Feb. 2018
Essential oil maker Aura Cacia specifies that asil, clary sage, clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, rosemary, sage, thyme, and wintergreen should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

— rebecca straus, Good Housekeeping, "6 Times You Should Never Use Essential Oils," 12 Jan. 2017
How to: Mix 12 drops EOs (frankincense, lavender, chamomile, myrrh, or a combo) into 1 oz rosehip oil.

— allison young, Good Housekeeping, "6 Ways You Can Use Essential Oils To Treat And Prevent Acne Naturally," 8 Nov. 2017
Winfrey plays Deborah, one of the three camels belonging to a trio of wise men traveling through the desert to deliver gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.

— mike miller, PEOPLE.com, "Oprah Loved Her 'Cool' Animated Role in Nativity Movie The Star: 'I Got My Camel on, Baby!'," 20 Feb. 2018
The kings in reference are the biblical Magi who visited the newborn Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh according to Christian tradition.

— paul stephen, San Antonio Express-News, "Upcoming Mardi Gras means S.A. bakers rolling in king cake," 24 Jan. 2018
Los tres reyes are believed to have brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Bethlehem to honor the baby Jesus.

— marjua estevez, Billboard, "From 'Viva el Parrandon' to 'Mi Burrito Sabanero,' Celebrate Three Kings Day With 11 Traditional Songs," 5 Jan. 2018
The gift-giving phenomenon of Christmas starts symbolically with the wise men from the east, who according to Matthew brought the expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honor Jesus.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Why Alabama loves Christmas," 24 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'myrrh.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of myrrh

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined above

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MYRRH Defined for English Language Learners

myrrh

noun

Definition of myrrh for English Language Learners

: a sticky brown substance that comes from trees, that has a sweet smell, and that is used in products that give the air or people's bodies a pleasing smell

MYRRH Defined for Kids

myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

Definition of myrrh for Students

: a sticky brown fragrant material obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Dictionary

myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

medical Definition of myrrh

: 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