noun
frankincense
FRANG-kuhn-sehns
Frankincense (noun) means a fragrant resin from Boswellia trees, dried and burned as incense. Example: “The temple filled with the smoky scent of frankincense.”
noun
1
A fragrant resin from Boswellia trees, dried and burned as incense.
"The temple filled with the smoky scent of frankincense."
"Frankincense is one of the gifts the Magi bring in the Nativity story."
How to use frankincense
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA resin burned for its sweet, woody smoke, historically prized and traded like a luxury good.
Common pairings
frankincense and myrrh
burn frankincense
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Word forms
- Plural
- frankincenses
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The temple filled with the smoky scent of _____.
Etymology
From Old French franc encens, literally "high-quality incense" — "franc" here meaning noble or pure rather than free.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for frankincense
See all rhymes for frankincense →Frequently asked questions
What does “frankincense” mean?
The word “frankincense” means a fragrant resin from Boswellia trees, dried and burned as incense. In plain terms, a resin burned for its sweet, woody smoke, historically prized and traded like a luxury good.
How do you pronounce “frankincense”?
“Frankincense” is pronounced FRANG-kuhn-sehns (/ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “frankincense” in a sentence?
Here is “frankincense” used in a sentence: “The temple filled with the smoky scent of frankincense.”
What part of speech is “frankincense”?
“Frankincense” is a noun.
Where does the word “frankincense” come from?
The word “frankincense” comes from Old French. From Old French franc encens, literally "high-quality incense" — "franc" here meaning noble or pure rather than free.
