myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora abyssinica of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia

also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

Examples of myrrh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But this is music crying out for myrrh and matches: spacey, meandering sounds that wander around in search of a melody, occasionally find one, and then lurch off in another direction. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024

Addis Ababa combines frankincense, myrrh, milk, and honey to bring the Ethiopian capital alive, while Kingston features rum, grapefruit, and sweet pimento leaf to transport you to the beachy Jamaican paradise. —Devorah Lev-Tov, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2023

By the stone’s account, the reign of King Sahure around 2450 BCE saw a very profitable expedition to Punt: around 80,000 measures of myrrh, 6,000 measures of electrum, and equally as much timber and slaves. —Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023

The wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh, none of which were probably of immediate use to the postpartum Mary or her infant. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2023

In addition to its gorgeous double blooms, the flowers also have a spicy-sweet smell that's usually compared to myrrh. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2023

Punt had it all—fragrant myrrh and frankincense, precious electrum (a mixed alloy of gold and silver) and malachite, and coveted leopard skins, among other exotic luxury goods. —Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023

Arrival involves warm hugs and intention setting around a clay pot of Himba myrrh. —Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2023

At the base are hints of namibian myrrh and golden amber. —Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English myrre, from Old English, from Latin myrrha, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic murr myrrh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a brown slightly bitter gum obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin that is obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) especially of East Africa and Arabia (as C. myrrha or C. abyssinica) and has been used in the manufacture of dentifrices and as a carminative and a stimulating tonic compare bdellium