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 AustenSynonyms
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
Director Sally Aitken’s nature documentary comes as a balm in a season aching for uplift.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Plates heaped with rice and aromatic curries showcase the island’s culinary riches, while orange king coconuts are cracked open and offered as a sweet, refreshing balm to the humid heat.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
During the height of the pandemic, editing these files and their style sheets by hand was a balm.
—Tim Carmody, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2025
Its no-budge formula easily rinses off with a makeup remover balm or cleanser, making your daily wash that much gentler on your fragile lashes and lids.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for balm 
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Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Plates heaped with rice and aromatic curries showcase the island’s culinary riches, while orange king coconuts are cracked open and offered as a sweet, refreshing balm to the humid heat.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
During the height of the pandemic, editing these files and their style sheets by hand was a balm.
—Tim Carmody, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2025
Its no-budge formula easily rinses off with a makeup remover balm or cleanser, making your daily wash that much gentler on your fragile lashes and lids.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for balm
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Dictionary Entries Near balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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