balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

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

botany : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family

especially : lemon balm

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

5

: a soothing restorative agency

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.

—Jane Austen

Synonyms of balm

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• aroma
• perfume

Examples 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

A day balm is meant to melt into the skin to soften fine lines and add a healthy glow under makeup. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Shopping, usually a soothing balm for me, got somewhat frustrating. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

From Brooke Shields to Kate Moss, this ultra-smooth balm is praised for its ability to deeply hydrate and soften lips. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing balm

• balm of Gilead
• bee balm
• lemon balm

Rhymes for balm

• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• palm
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

1

: resin from small tropical evergreen trees

2

: a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)

3

: something that comforts or refreshes

Medical Definition

balm

noun

ˈbä(l)m, New England also ˈbȧm

1

: a balsamic resin

especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)

2

: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)

3

: a soothing restorative agency