Lip Balm: Definition, Uses & Benefits

Meaning 1：lip balm (Lip balm)

Lip balm 🔊

/lɪp bɑːm/

A soft, waxy substance you put on your lips to stop them from getting dry or sore.

lip balm 🔊

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/lɪp bɑːm/

A waxy or oily substance applied to the lips to prevent dryness, chapping, or cracking.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'lip' (body part) + 'balm' (soothing ointment, from Latin balsamum).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'lip calm' – balm soothes lips like a calming lotion for your skin.

📖 Example

Every morning, after brushing my teeth, I use a little lip balm to make sure my lips don't feel tight or dry during the day. 🔊 Each morning, after brushing my teeth, I apply a small amount of lip balm to prevent my lips from feeling tight or dry throughout the day.

🔗 Collocations

apply lip balm – to put lip balm on the lips

lip balm tube – the container that holds lip balm

moisturizing lip balm – lip balm that adds moisture and prevents dryness

🔄 Synonyms

lip ointment (n.) – a medicinal preparation applied to the lips for healing or moisturizing

lip moisturizer (n.) – a product specifically designed to hydrate and soften the lips

lip salve (n.) – a soothing balm, often natural, used to protect and heal chapped lips

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'lip balm' emerged in the 19th century; the first commercial product, ChapStick, was invented in the 1880s as a beeswax-based remedy for dry lips.