frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense
ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 
: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming
Examples of frankincense in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What did the third wise man say after his friends had already presented gold and frankincense?
—
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Non-toxic notes of neroli, palo santo, cedarwood, tonka bean, frankincense and elemi should transport your gift recipient to serene landscapes and ancient forests.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Also available as a silky hair and body oil, the scent grounds Turkish rose in earthy notes of patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
The sophisticated scent is smokey and leathery, with notes of frankincense, pink pepper, cypress, juniper and vetiver.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frankincense 
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.
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Non-toxic notes of neroli, palo santo, cedarwood, tonka bean, frankincense and elemi should transport your gift recipient to serene landscapes and ancient forests.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Also available as a silky hair and body oil, the scent grounds Turkish rose in earthy notes of patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
The sophisticated scent is smokey and leathery, with notes of frankincense, pink pepper, cypress, juniper and vetiver.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frankincense
Dictionary Entries Near frankincense
Cite this Entry
“Frankincense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankincense. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense
ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s
: a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense
Medical Definition
frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense
ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s
: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming
called also olibanum
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share