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
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
Agnes S. Turnbull5
: a soothing restorative agency
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.—Jane Austen
Jane AustenExamples 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
Not nearly as greasy as a true balm, but richer than your typical face cream, this drugstore darling instantly soothes dry, chapped skin with the help of emollient shea butter, moisturizing vitamin B5, and calming madecassoside (a derivative of our fave, Centella asiastica, or cica for short).
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
For me, that’s my phone charger, lip balm, sunscreen, Apple AirPods, extra contacts, and my wallet.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Other favorites included a luxe-smelling body spray and a travel-friendly perfume balm.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
For me, that’s my phone charger, lip balm, sunscreen, Apple AirPods, extra contacts, and my wallet.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Other favorites included a luxe-smelling body spray and a travel-friendly perfume balm.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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