balm

noun

ˈbäm How to pronounce balm (audio) ˈbälm How to pronounce balm (audio)
Synonyms of balmnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new Sweet Marshmallow layering balm is a blend of orchid, marshmallow, and musk, according to the brand, while the Fruity Pear layering balm is a blend of pear, lotus blossom, and white wood. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Eos, which dominated the 2010s with brightly colored spherical balms, entered the gloss-balm hybrid space last month with Dewy Lip Shine. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 The New World doesn’t act as a balm for a world out of balance. — David Harris, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 After shampooing, simply work the rich balm through damp hair, leave it on for three minutes, then rinse. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for balm

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

Phrases Containing balm

Rhymes for balm

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Browse Nearby Words

ballyrag
balm
balmacaan
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Cite this Entry

“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

balm

noun
ˈbäm How to pronounce balm (audio) ˈbälm How to pronounce balm (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of balm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about balm

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