incense

1 of 3

noun

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

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to apply or offer incense to

2

: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

2

archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

Synonyms

Noun

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

Verb (1)

• odorize
• perfume
• scent

Verb (2)

• anger
• enrage
• inflame
• enflame
• infuriate
• ire
• mad
• madden
• outrage
• rankle
• rile
• roil
• steam up
• tick off

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

Noun

Beautiful garnet color; expressive aromas of red cherry, strawberry, incense and tobacco. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Inspired by the stairwells of Swedish high-rises, where the air carries hints of incense and spices, founder Haisam Mohammed set out to transform everyday moments into artistic, fragrant scenescapes. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

The inexperienced fighter should never have been put in that position against Frederic; the Jets were incensed and rightfully so. —Murat Ates, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Zoom out: Democrats were incensed after President-elect Trump torpedoed their deal with Johnson on a nearly 1,550-page bill to fund the government until March. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing incense

• incense cedar

Kids 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