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
botany : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family
especially : lemon balm
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
5
: a soothing restorative agency
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.Jane Austen

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
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.
The kit includes a daily cleanser, makeup cleansing balm, hydrating booster drops, and face and eye cream. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025 Aloes were calming balms in ancient times, and that is still the case today. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 The balm uses a mixture of Shea and Murumuru seed butters to soften and soothe dry lips. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Nudes Taupe Touch is a blend between a balm and a lipstick and is formulated with lots of skin-softening and nourishing ingredients including tsubaki totum—the Japanese camellia flower known for its moisturizing benefits—squaline, ceramides, and glycerin. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balm

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balm was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

balm

noun
1
: resin from small tropical evergreen trees
2
: a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)
3
: something that comforts or refreshes

Medical Definition

balm

noun
ˈbä(l)m, New England also ˈbȧm
1
: a balsamic resin
especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2
: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
3
: a soothing restorative agency

More from Merriam-Webster on balm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!