What does incense mean?
Incense is a fragrant substance burned to produce an aromatic smoke or vapour. It has long been used in religious ceremonies, where burning it may form part of an offering, and it is also associated with meditation, temple worship, and the perfuming of rooms. The substance can be fashioned from resins, woods, herbs, spices, and other aromatic materials, traditionally shaped into sticks, cones, or powder. Figuratively, “incense” can mean to flatter someone excessively or insincerely, as in “incense the powerful with praise.” As a verb, it can also mean to fill with fragrance or, in literary and historical usage, to provoke anger. The word is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and is not related in ordinary usage to the similarly sounding verb “insense.”
A fragrant substance burned to produce a pleasing smoke or vapour, or the smoke or vapour itself.
"The room was filled with the scent of incense."
The word can refer either to the material being burned or to its fragrant smoke, depending on context.
To offer incense to a deity, especially as part of a religious ceremony.
"The worshippers incensed the statue before leaving the sanctuary."
This is formal and chiefly associated with religious or ceremonial language.
To flatter someone with excessive praise or admiration.
"Critics accused him of incensing powerful executives with extravagant praise."
This figurative use often implies that the praise is excessive or insincere.
To fill with fragrance or make fragrant.
"Clouds of jasmine incense the evening air."
This is a literary and relatively uncommon usage.
The plural is used for distinct portions or objects of incense, though the word is often used collectively.
"The shop sells incense, scented candles, and small oil burners."
Incense began as a gift to the gods: the word comes from a Latin term for something burned as an offering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incense come from?
The word comes through Old French encens from the Latin incensum, a neuter form of incensus, meaning “burnt” or “burning.” Its original sense referred to a burnt offering and, by extension, the aromatic material used in such offerings. Cognate forms include censer, the container in which incense is burned, and incensory, relating to the use of incense.
Related word forms
How incense is actually used
In religious contexts, incense commonly denotes both the fragrant material and the ceremonial act of burning it. In figurative use, the word often suggests excessive or insincere flattery.
Easily confused with incense
Incense is the substance that is burned, whereas a censer is the vessel in which it is held or burned.