frankincense
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of frankincense
First recorded in 1350–1400, frankincense is from Middle English fraunk encense. See frank 1, incense 1
Explanation
Frankincense is a substance valued for its fragrant smell. While frankincense may make you think of Christmas and the three wise men, it has been used in a variety of cultures, contexts, and religions. Frankincense comes from the gum of a Middle Eastern tree. So does myrrh, the other offering made to Jesus in the Nativity story, which is where you are most likely to have heard of frankincense. Frankincense has been used in several religious traditions, including that of the ancient Egyptians. The first part of this word is related to the modern adjective frank, which means “direct and unreserved.”
Vocabulary lists containing frankincense
Joy To The Word: Christmas Terms
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Patron Saints of Nothing
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The use of aromatic resins, gums and woods like frankincense and myrrh dates back to ancient Egypt.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026
Eventually, he settled on the eight most frequently mentioned: desert dates, Yemeni Sidr honey, sycamore figs, Israeli golden raisins, prickly juniper berries, carob fruit, black cumin and frankincense.
From New York Times ● Jun. 20, 2024
Notes include Timur pepper, coriander/cilantro leaf, black tea, frankincense, violet, saffron, amber, patchouli and vanilla.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2024
The frankincense that tickled my nose and set off allergy fits of sneezing in the middle of Mass my entire childhood.
From Salon ● May 13, 2023
Dad won’t be interested in a fancy picture frame, not after Dr. Throckmorton Claus has already given him what he considers the greatest Christmas present since gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
