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
Those Danessa Myricks blurring balms that offer a flawless complexion finish and luminous blush in all the right shades?
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Instead of classic fruity flavors, Glossier cooked up a lip balm with Magnolia Bakery and Tarte joined forces with Dunkin' on lip tints.
—Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
The fact that this balm’s blend of hyaluronic microspheres, glycerin, and fruit extracts treats lips to long-lasting, intense levels of moisture.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Clean thinking New from K-beauty brand, Belif, is the Aqua Bomb Smart Cleansing Oil Balm—a soothing cleansing balm that gently removes all traces of makeup (and travel grime) in one step.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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.
Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Instead of classic fruity flavors, Glossier cooked up a lip balm with Magnolia Bakery and Tarte joined forces with Dunkin' on lip tints.
—Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
The fact that this balm’s blend of hyaluronic microspheres, glycerin, and fruit extracts treats lips to long-lasting, intense levels of moisture.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Clean thinking New from K-beauty brand, Belif, is the Aqua Bomb Smart Cleansing Oil Balm—a soothing cleansing balm that gently removes all traces of makeup (and travel grime) in one step.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share