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
In fact, this three-piece under-eye kit includes three of the brand’s most iconic eye balms for $53, an almost $70 discount from its retail price of $120.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2024
The balm for downtown San Jose’s lingering post-COVID afflictions might include experiences such as comedy clubs, live theaters, performance halls, restaurants, nightclubs and unique venues such as Urban Putt, a miniature golf outlet that has been open for a few months in the Paseo de San Antonio.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balm 
Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2024
The balm for downtown San Jose’s lingering post-COVID afflictions might include experiences such as comedy clubs, live theaters, performance halls, restaurants, nightclubs and unique venues such as Urban Putt, a miniature golf outlet that has been open for a few months in the Paseo de San Antonio.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 17 May 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 23 May. 2024.
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