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
That’s why getting to spend time there feels like such a balm for the soul.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
From deliciously smelling balms to wrinkle-defying night creams, there should be something for every mitt below.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2025
Select a lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage, which can dry out the skin.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
This hybrid balm-powder formula delivers rich pigment with a soft-matte payoff that blurs the look of pores and smooths uneven skin.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balm
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Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
From deliciously smelling balms to wrinkle-defying night creams, there should be something for every mitt below.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2025
Select a lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage, which can dry out the skin.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
This hybrid balm-powder formula delivers rich pigment with a soft-matte payoff that blurs the look of pores and smooths uneven skin.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 Dec. 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 4 Jan. 2026.
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