balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

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

Synonyms

• aroma
• attar
• otto
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

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

That includes a short spa workshop that teaches guests how to create a pain-relieving balm. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

The investigation was reopened in 2009, and Woods tested the lip balm tub for DNA in 2011. —Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 24 Mar. 2025

The balm is smooth and buttery to the touch and locks in moisture in your lips like no other. —Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025

Step Five: Lip Treatments Who doesn’t have a lip balm (or two) floating around in their bag? —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing balm

• balm of Gilead
• bee balm
• lemon balm

Rhymes for balm

• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• palm
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

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