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

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.

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The first known use of myrrh was before the 12th century

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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