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myrrh

noun

: a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora myrrha of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia
also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

Examples of myrrh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three Kings Day is a global religious tradition honoring the biblical story of the three wise men — Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar — who journeyed to see the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Their journey and gifts thus represent the homage of all nations and races to the divine revelation in Bethlehem, uniting in a single act of recognition of Jesus as King (gold), God (frankincense), and Savior (myrrh). Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Peppery akigalawood, myrrh, and incense power the extrait, which the eponymous perfumer and clothier enhances with citrus and caramel notes. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025 The cathedral smells strongly of myrrh oil from Jerusalem. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for myrrh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English myrre, from Old English, from Latin myrrha, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic murr myrrh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of myrrh was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Myrrh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myrrh. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

myrrh

noun
: a brown slightly bitter gum obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Definition

myrrh

noun
: a yellowish to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin that is obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) especially of East Africa and Arabia (such as C. myrrha or C. kua) and has been used in the manufacture of dentifrices and as a carminative and a stimulating tonic compare bdellium

More from Merriam-Webster on myrrh

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