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
After the death of Abiyah, they kept his body inside their home for eight days, before embalming the body using frankincense and myrrh prior to a ritualistic burial in their garden.
From BBC • Dec. 12, 2024
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
Apple jelly, not frankincense or myrrh, spilled across the stage.
From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
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.
