balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

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

Synonyms of balm

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• aroma
• perfume

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

For Kahan, the concept of forever is both balm and devastation, buoy and riptide. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

The Lanolips Phone Lip Balm Holder is a handy attachment your dry lips will thank you for, paired together with fun balms. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

The small but surprisingly spacious accessory is perfectly sized for earbuds, credit cards, lip balm, money, keys, dog treats, and even inhalers, keeping essentials within reach. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

Bee balm is another family favorite, blooming in bright red, pink or purple and packed with nectar. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing balm

• balm of Gilead
• bee balm
• lemon balm

Rhymes for balm

• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• palm
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

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