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 AustenSynonyms
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
But above all, a balm best enjoyed by those thirsting after a coming-of-age tale that while looking at the past is emboldened by our vibrant present and an even more daring vision of the future.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024
There’s also a small interior zipper for holding things like keys and lip balm so they don’t get lost on the bottom of your bag, a must for anyone without time to spare rooting around in space.
—Kerry Pieri, WWD, 2 Aug. 2024
This buttery balm adds a chic and subtle touch to bare faces and soft-glams alike, partially thanks to its revitalizing red camellia oil.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 1 Aug. 2024
Find it on Amazon This Lip Balm Is in Every Beauty TikToker’s Video
Keep this lip balm in your purse or back pocket all season long.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm 
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024
There’s also a small interior zipper for holding things like keys and lip balm so they don’t get lost on the bottom of your bag, a must for anyone without time to spare rooting around in space.
—Kerry Pieri, WWD, 2 Aug. 2024
This buttery balm adds a chic and subtle touch to bare faces and soft-glams alike, partially thanks to its revitalizing red camellia oil.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 1 Aug. 2024
Find it on Amazon This Lip Balm Is in Every Beauty TikToker’s Video
Keep this lip balm in your purse or back pocket all season long.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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