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
Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
It’s mentioned in the Sanskrit epic narrative the Mahābhārata, the Bible, and in several Islamic Hadith, and it's burned as incense by Buddhist monks.
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
The company is attempting to use eminent domain to clear its way, which incensed Lems.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incense
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Noun
People in these areas have been advised to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, use an air conditioner or air purifier, avoid using devices that bring in outside air, such as swamp coolers, and avoid other sources of pollution—fireplaces, candles and incense for example.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
It’s mentioned in the Sanskrit epic narrative the Mahābhārata, the Bible, and in several Islamic Hadith, and it's burned as incense by Buddhist monks.
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
This came after Longoria claimed Marseille were the victims of corruption following their 3-0 defeat by Auxerre on Saturday, where he was incensed by referee Jeremy Stinat’s decision to show a second yellow card to defender Derek Cornelius.
—Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
The company is attempting to use eminent domain to clear its way, which incensed Lems.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 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 12 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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