English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

balm

bahm

Balm (noun) means a soothing ointment or lotion applied to the skin. Example: “She rubbed lip balm on her chapped lips.”

noun
1
A soothing ointment or lotion applied to the skin.
"She rubbed lip balm on her chapped lips."
"The salve worked as a balm for his sunburned shoulders."
2
Something that comforts or eases pain, whether physical or emotional.
"Her kind words were a balm to his grief."

How to Use Balm

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA soothing substance for the skin, or figuratively anything that eases pain or distress.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
lip balm a balm for the soul soothing balm

Word Forms

balmed past tense, balms plural, balms singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “balm” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She rubbed lip _____ on her chapped lips.

Etymology

From Old French basme, tracing back to Latin balsamum and ultimately Greek balsamon, referring to fragrant plant resin.

Origin: Latin

salve ointment unction unguent

Related Words

Rhymes for balm

See all rhymes for balm →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “balm” mean?

The word “balm” means a soothing ointment or lotion applied to the skin. In plain terms, a soothing substance for the skin, or figuratively anything that eases pain or distress.

How do you pronounce “balm”?

“Balm” is pronounced bahm (/bɑm/ in IPA).

How do you use “balm” in a sentence?

Here is “balm” used in a sentence: “She rubbed lip balm on her chapped lips.”

What part of speech is “balm”?

“Balm” is a noun.

Where does the word “balm” come from?

The word “balm” comes from Latin. From Old French basme, tracing back to Latin balsamum and ultimately Greek balsamon, referring to fragrant plant resin.

Is “balm” a common word?

“Balm” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “balm” have?

“Balm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soothing ointment or lotion applied to the skin.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial