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 AustenExamples 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
And tucked in one aisle, a collection of lotions and balms that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end apothecary — but come from nearby farms.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
With an interior slip pocket and a zip pocket, there’s a surprising amount of places to safely keep your on-the-go must-haves, including lip balm and lipstick, gum, and hand sanitizer.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2025
They are often added to skin care and hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, body lotions, and lip balm.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
This means that my purse has to have room to hold my essentials, which includes my wallet, passport, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
With an interior slip pocket and a zip pocket, there’s a surprising amount of places to safely keep your on-the-go must-haves, including lip balm and lipstick, gum, and hand sanitizer.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2025
They are often added to skin care and hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, body lotions, and lip balm.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
This means that my purse has to have room to hold my essentials, which includes my wallet, passport, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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