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
Her remarks so incensed them that they walked out.
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
Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Mxd Magic, which sells herbs, incense, crystals and other holistic wellness products, will permanently shutter its storefront in East Charlotte, though its last day in business is unclear, according to a recent Instagram post.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
In 2018, Red Bull’s Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen was left incensed with Force India’s Esteban Ocon after the pair came together on lap 44 of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incense
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Noun
Another lighted incense sticks and stuck them in the snow.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Mxd Magic, which sells herbs, incense, crystals and other holistic wellness products, will permanently shutter its storefront in East Charlotte, though its last day in business is unclear, according to a recent Instagram post.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Far-right commentators were predictably incensed by Carton’s decision to call things off with the more politically ambivalent Ben Mezzenga.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
In 2018, Red Bull’s Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen was left incensed with Force India’s Esteban Ocon after the pair came together on lap 44 of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incense
Cite this Entry
“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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