myrrh

noun

\ ˈmər

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

Examples of myrrh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Because that’s just what two overwhelmed, first-time parents need: myrrh. — Jen Spyra, The New Yorker, "Mom and Baby Are Both Doing Fine," 26 Dec. 2020 According to the Gospel, the men had followed a star to the house where Jesus and Mary were and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. — Time, "Here's What History Can Tell Us About the Magi," 29 Dec. 2020 Today, gold, frankincense, and myrrh seem like unequal gifts. — Eleanor Cummins, Popular Science, "What are frankincense and myrrh, anyway?," 23 Dec. 2020 These nontraditional factors could be at play for those whose holidays involve loneliness, isolation and depression instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh. — Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com, "Find antidotes to blue Christmas with a phone call to an old friend or a walk outside," 21 Dec. 2020 After all, the child born in the manger is destined to suffer and die on the Cross; one of the gifts brought to the newborn Jesus by the Magi is myrrh, traditionally used in embalming. — Regina Hansen, WSJ, "The Darker Side of Christmas," 19 Dec. 2020 Or frankincense and myrrh -- two of the holiday fragrances, along with peppermint vanilla and pure noel. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, "Give the holiday gift of frankincense and myrrh -- made in Rocky River," 15 Dec. 2020 Ancient Egyptian legends tell of a magical faraway land where intrepid travelers could obtain wondrous products including gold, frankincense, and myrrh. — Colin Barras, Science | AAAS, "3300-year-old baboon skull may tell of mysterious ancient kingdom," 15 Dec. 2020 Pictures of husbands proffering electric toasters like myrrh, women experiencing prophetic visions of sewing machines, children imploring Santa to put a new Hoover for mummy under the tree. — Matthew Sweet, The Economist, "The secret economics of Christmas adverts, unwrapped," 4 Dec. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

4 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Myrrh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myrrh. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for myrrh

myrrh

noun

English Language Learners Definition of myrrh

: 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

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

myrrh

noun

\ ˈmər

Kids Definition of myrrh

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

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