gold, frankincense, and myrrh

Cultural

The three gifts that the Wise Men brought to the infant Jesus. Frankincense and myrrh are aromatic substances. Frankincense is commonly burned as incense, and myrrh is used in burial of the dead.

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 gold, frankincense and myrrh brought by the three wise men to baby Jesus definitely came from here," said the old man sitting in the dust under a tree.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2023

Most Spanish children receive their Christmas presents on Jan. 6, the day when Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar are said to have visited the infant Christ with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

From Reuters • Jan. 5, 2022

His birth was hailed by a worshipful crowd that included three kings, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2018

Jesus himself received an impressive basket of gifts on his birthday: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

From Slate • Dec. 21, 2012

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023