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

While returning to work can be a balm that boosts self-esteem and social support, the transition can also be stressful. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Puckey recommends keeping lips moisturized, using a nourishing balm overnight, and exfoliating regularly. — Jenny Berg, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil, a zero-commitment entry point that is part balm, part sheer tint, and part lip lacquer. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 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