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
Protocol Water Lock Photo : Protocol Cult-status Protocol launched this slugging sensation, which has all the water-trapping benefits of those other heavyset balms and slaves—only this one can be worn day and night alike.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
No digging in the bottomless abyss of a giant purse here — it’s got just enough room for just the basics, like a card or two, lip balm, and your phone.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm 
Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
No digging in the bottomless abyss of a giant purse here — it’s got just enough room for just the basics, like a card or two, lip balm, and your phone.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 11 May. 2024.
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