benzoin
noun
ben·zo·in
ˈben-zə-wən 
-ˌzȯin
-zō-,
-ˌwēn
-ˌzȯin
1
: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant
2
: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C14H12O2 made from benzaldehyde
Examples of benzoin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That settles into a spicy suede with cardamom and benzoin, before warming into tonka bean, amber, and musk.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
The base is anchored with vanilla and benzoin, giving the fragrance a warm, resinous finish that lingers for hours on skin.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Next came Solórzano, who performed in a leather jacket, throwing his first snowball from a cocktail shaker—a blend of cedar, benzoin, and cardamom which conjured the smell of whiskey.
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Zoologist Squid This award winning aquatic fragrance is meant to evoke the deep sea with notes of pink pepper, black ink accord, benzoin and musk.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The best amber perfumes typically contain a blend of labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, which come together to create a scent that’s warm, resinous, and rich, Khodzhayan says.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
Darker and more sensual, Black Moonlight has a base of patchouli, vetiver, Tonka bean, and benzoin, which is overlayered with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, as well as saffron, lavender, Sambac jasmine, and hazelnut.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
The soft citrus floral feels light and fresh, with top notes of jasmine petals and lemon, a heart of frangipani and ylang ylang, and a base of sandalwood and benzoin.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
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Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
The base is anchored with vanilla and benzoin, giving the fragrance a warm, resinous finish that lingers for hours on skin.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Next came Solórzano, who performed in a leather jacket, throwing his first snowball from a cocktail shaker—a blend of cedar, benzoin, and cardamom which conjured the smell of whiskey.
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Zoologist Squid This award winning aquatic fragrance is meant to evoke the deep sea with notes of pink pepper, black ink accord, benzoin and musk.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The best amber perfumes typically contain a blend of labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, which come together to create a scent that’s warm, resinous, and rich, Khodzhayan says.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
Darker and more sensual, Black Moonlight has a base of patchouli, vetiver, Tonka bean, and benzoin, which is overlayered with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, as well as saffron, lavender, Sambac jasmine, and hazelnut.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
The soft citrus floral feels light and fresh, with top notes of jasmine petals and lemon, a heart of frangipani and ylang ylang, and a base of sandalwood and benzoin.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Benzoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoin. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
benzoin
noun
ben·zo·in
ˈben-zə-wən
-ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin
-ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin
1
: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax of the family Styracaceae) of southeastern Asia used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations
2
: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C14H12O2 made from benzaldehyde
3
: a tree yielding benzoin
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