1
: a balsamic (see balsamic sense 1) resin
especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2
: an aromatic preparation (such as a healing ointment)
applied a balm to the wound
3
botany : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family
especially : lemon balm
4
: a spicy aromatic odor
… the white lilies in the garden, the herb bed near the bees—everything sent out fragrance and balm into the soft air …Agnes S. Turnbull
5
: a soothing restorative agency
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.Jane Austen

Examples of balm in a Sentence

Art can be a balm to the soul. She shows that laughter is a balm for difficult times.
Recent Examples on the Web There’s something about a glowy lip balm with name recognition on TikTok that everyone from the 6-year-old to the 19-year-old can get on board with. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2024 With the hydrating feel of a balm and the color payoff of a traditional lipstick, Merit’s lipstick-balm hybrid has a sheer finish after a single coat. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 Simply swipe on the balm, then follow a stroke (or three!) of the buildable color. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 Our list includes a variety of creams, lotions, oils, and balms for every budget and need. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 His smiling visage adorns T-shirts, bags, key chains, scented candles, lip balm, iPhone cases and posters in college dorm rooms. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Justyna keeps sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer in her bag. Sarah Klein, SELF, 27 Feb. 2024 To put it simply, Korean beauty has changed the standards of skin care around the globe: Double-cleansing, essences, cushion compacts, lip tints, and the newer multi balms all originated in Korea, where the latest additions to multistep skin-care routines continue to inspire innovation worldwide. Sarah Han, Allure, 26 Feb. 2024 The Wunder Train Leggings feature a small back pocket in the waistband, which is the perfect size to tuck away your keys or lip balm. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near balm

Cite this Entry

“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

balm

noun
1
: resin from small tropical evergreen trees
2
: a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)
3
: something that comforts or refreshes

Medical Definition

balm

noun
ˈbä(l)m, New England also ˈbȧm
1
: a balsamic resin
especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2
: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
3
: a soothing restorative agency

More from Merriam-Webster on balm

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