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
For most of its decade-plus run, the reality competition baking show has been a television balm for anxious viewers.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Chromatica, her 2020 album that represented a return to unabashedly hooky electro-pop, was released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and acted as a balm for pop fans during a difficult moment in the world.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
Wipe and Buff the Leather After allowing 30 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe any excess balm and buff the leather.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024
Make makeup disappear with this Clinique cleansing balm, then follow it up with this CeraVe cleanser to strip away any remaining grime from the day.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm 
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Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Chromatica, her 2020 album that represented a return to unabashedly hooky electro-pop, was released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and acted as a balm for pop fans during a difficult moment in the world.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
Wipe and Buff the Leather After allowing 30 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe any excess balm and buff the leather.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024
Make makeup disappear with this Clinique cleansing balm, then follow it up with this CeraVe cleanser to strip away any remaining grime from the day.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm
Articles Related to balm
Dictionary Entries Near balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
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