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
Best described as a lip gloss stick, this assortment of high-shine jellies delivers high-octane, non-sticky shine with the nourishment of a balm via ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and mango oils.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Perfect for on-the-go touchups, this balm works like a solid serum, offering sheer, non-cakey, second-skin coverage with all the nourishment.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Feb. 2025
The issue with hydrating your lips prior to applying a lip liner, of course, is that the moisturizing properties of a balm or lip mask prevent a liner’s pigments from transferring onto your lips.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025
The director could be accused of making all the principal characters too virtuous, but his love for them is part of the movie’s restorative balm.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for balm 
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Perfect for on-the-go touchups, this balm works like a solid serum, offering sheer, non-cakey, second-skin coverage with all the nourishment.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Feb. 2025
The issue with hydrating your lips prior to applying a lip liner, of course, is that the moisturizing properties of a balm or lip mask prevent a liner’s pigments from transferring onto your lips.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025
The director could be accused of making all the principal characters too virtuous, but his love for them is part of the movie’s restorative balm.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for balm
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Dictionary Entries Near balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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