in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 
1
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2
: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned
broadly
: a pleasing scent
3
: pleasing attention : flattery
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic
: to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
Examples of incense in a Sentence
Noun
the heavenly incense of spring flowers
count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office
Verb (1)
the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences
Verb (2)
the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy
Recent Examples on the Web
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Thanks to ancient inventories, researchers have been able to discern the Parthenon’s probable interior furnishings, like numerous incense burners that would have enhanced a visitor’s sensory experience.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Woods and Sweet Grass provide an earthy counterbalance for a set that makes an incredible gift, even for someone new to incense.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incense
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Noun
Use candles, incense, crystals, or natural elements like flowers or herbs (mugwort and lavender pair beautifully).
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Thanks to ancient inventories, researchers have been able to discern the Parthenon’s probable interior furnishings, like numerous incense burners that would have enhanced a visitor’s sensory experience.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Verb
When the announcement came down, students were incensed.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Woods and Sweet Grass provide an earthy counterbalance for a set that makes an incredible gift, even for someone new to incense.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incense
Cite this Entry
“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incense
1 of 2 noun
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
1
a
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
b
: the odor so produced
2
: a pleasing scent
incense
2 of 2 verb
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
: to make very angry
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