incense

1 of 3

noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
Synonyms of incensenext
1
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2
: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned
broadly : a pleasing scent
3
: pleasing attention : flattery

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1
: to apply or offer incense to
2
: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

Synonyms

Noun

Verb (1)

Verb (2)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of incense in a Sentence

Noun the heavenly incense of spring flowers count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office Verb (1) the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences Verb (2) the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy
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.
Noun
The vibe is elevated by the ever-burning incense inside the store. — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Inspired by Victoria and David Beckham’s trip to Italy in the early days of dating, the sultry scent melds notes of sea breeze, incense, amber, and vetiver with patchouli and musk. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 June 2025
Verb
After the editorial appeared, on January 7, 1978, seminarians incensed by the slander of Khomeini staged large demonstrations in Qom. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 Still, animal advocates around town are incensed at the city’s staffing cuts. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incense

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incense was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing incense

Rhymes for incense

See All Rhymes for incense

Browse Nearby Words

incensation
incense
incense burner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

incense

1 of 2 noun
in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
1
a
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
b
: the odor so produced
2
: a pleasing scent

incense

2 of 2 verb
in·​cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
: to make very angry

More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Nglish: Translation of incense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incense

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