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
To hydrate the skin of his body, Momoa counts on Triumph & Disaster’s restorative body balm.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Also referred to as petroleum jelly, which is the primary ingredient of Vaseline, it was invented during the 1800s as a cure-all balm and has become a household staple since.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Pop this tiny balm in any bag—formal clutch, shoulder bag, or work tote—for touch-ups throughout the day.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
After months of looks that put practicality above creativity (think hydrating foundations and layers of lip balm), this season's burgeoning makeup trends feel like a breath of fresh air.
—Jazzria Harris, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Also referred to as petroleum jelly, which is the primary ingredient of Vaseline, it was invented during the 1800s as a cure-all balm and has become a household staple since.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Pop this tiny balm in any bag—formal clutch, shoulder bag, or work tote—for touch-ups throughout the day.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
After months of looks that put practicality above creativity (think hydrating foundations and layers of lip balm), this season's burgeoning makeup trends feel like a breath of fresh air.
—Jazzria Harris, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2025.
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