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
Less than a month later, the second banana-scented balm arrived, with Glossier’s limited-edition banana pudding Blam Dotcom.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
In the evening, cleanse again and apply a plain moisturizer like La Roche-Posay’s non-SPF Double Repair or Avène’s Xeracalm balm for drier skin.
—Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Book a scrub and massage with peyote balm at the spa, horse-riding lessons at the Equestrian Center, or explore nearby beach towns for a true taste of Nayarit’s sprawling coast.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
River, stream, lake, ocean, or pond–Southerners know that sometimes the best balm for a fraught mind or stressful season is a quick trip to the nearest body of water.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
In the evening, cleanse again and apply a plain moisturizer like La Roche-Posay’s non-SPF Double Repair or Avène’s Xeracalm balm for drier skin.
—Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Book a scrub and massage with peyote balm at the spa, horse-riding lessons at the Equestrian Center, or explore nearby beach towns for a true taste of Nayarit’s sprawling coast.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
River, stream, lake, ocean, or pond–Southerners know that sometimes the best balm for a fraught mind or stressful season is a quick trip to the nearest body of water.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for balm
Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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