in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 
1
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2
: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned
broadly
: a pleasing scent
3
: pleasing attention : flattery
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic
: to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
Examples of incense in a Sentence
Noun
the heavenly incense of spring flowers
count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office
Verb (1)
the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences
Verb (2)
the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy
Recent Examples on the Web
Felicity Carter, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Set on a secluded bay, this 88-key resort boasts large pool villas with thoughtful details like headrests built into the tub, a desk that transforms into a vanity, and a selection of essential oils and incense sticks.
—Christina Liao, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump also grew incensed over Ukraine’s public complaints about being excluded from talks between the U.S. and Russia about ending the war.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incense
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Noun
True to its name, the brand taps into the emotional and energetic power of fragrance through its eight genderless eau de parfums, incense, and candles.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Set on a secluded bay, this 88-key resort boasts large pool villas with thoughtful details like headrests built into the tub, a desk that transforms into a vanity, and a selection of essential oils and incense sticks.
—Christina Liao, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
More news: Former Phillies Infielder, Member of World Series Champion Braves, Dies
Reyes wasn't the only New Yorker incensed by Utley.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump also grew incensed over Ukraine’s public complaints about being excluded from talks between the U.S. and Russia about ending the war.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incense
Cite this Entry
“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incense
1 of 2 noun
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
1
a
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
b
: the odor so produced
2
: a pleasing scent
incense
2 of 2 verb
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
: to make very angry
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