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
The Troy Hawke videos Mr. McCabe creates deliver a tinge of humanity and are a reminder that a genuine compliment can be at worst, a balm on a tough day and, at best, a heartwarming core memory.
—Stefano Montali, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
The free, all-ages event will include over a dozen local makers, featuring items including handcrafted soaps and balms, chocolate treats, tarot readings, original artwork and more.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Stefano Montali, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
The free, all-ages event will include over a dozen local makers, featuring items including handcrafted soaps and balms, chocolate treats, tarot readings, original artwork and more.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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