myrrh
Americannoun
noun
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any of several burseraceous trees and shrubs of the African and S Asian genus Commiphora, esp C. myrrha, that exude an aromatic resin Compare balm of Gilead
-
the resin obtained from such a plant, used in perfume, incense, and medicine
-
another name for sweet cicely
Other Word Forms
- myrrhed adjective
- myrrhic adjective
Etymology
Origin of myrrh
before 900; Middle English, Old English myrre < Latin myrrha < Greek mýrra ≪ Akkadian murru; akin to Hebrew mōr, Arabic murr
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 Three Wise Men may have struggled for a third gift if they were shopping today—and not because of a bull market in frankincense and myrrh.
From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025
Encased in a glossy black glass vessel, Owens’ candle is a mysterious blend of labdanum, myrrh, frankincense and ambergris.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
The smell of incense — a combination of frankincense and myrrh — leached from every corner of the space, creating a somewhat soporific effect.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2024
The delicately pink, multipetaled blooms of Saint Cecilia® have a rich myrrh bouquet, a scent sometimes described as earthy or slightly smoky.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2024
He gargles with camomile tea, coats the roof of his mouth with a tincture of myrrh and rubs Mentholatum over, his chest, nose, gums and tongue.
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Definitions 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.
