Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

incense

/ˈɪnsɛn(t)s/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.27 in modern English

Syllables
in-cense
IPA
/ˈɪnsɛn(t)s/
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt, often used in religious rites or for aesthetic reasons.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The fragrant smoke released by burning incense (sense 1).

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Homage; adulation.

Countable; Uncountable

verb

To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn.

Obsolete; Transitive verb

verb

To anger; to infuriate.

Transitive verb

verb

To incite; to stimulate.

Archaic; Transitive verb

verb

To offer incense to.

Transitive verb

verb

To perfume with, or as with, incense.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English encens, from Old French encens (“sweet-smelling substance”) from Late Latin incensum (“burnt incense”, literally “something burnt”), neuter past participle of incendō (“to set on fire”). Compare incendiary. Doublet of incienso. Displaced native Old English rēcels.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: encens, incensum

Usage

Subject

Wiktionary places this term in Religion.

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce incense?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɪnsɛn(t)s/.
What does incense mean?
Biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt, often used in religious rites or for aesthetic reasons.
Where does incense come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce incense

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “incense”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɪnsɛn(t)s/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “incense”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “incense” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.