How do you use the word "incense" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "incense": I don't usually burn incense at home. She likes to burn incense while practising yoga.

Incense Meaning

/ˈɪnsɛns/

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

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

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

Sentence Examples

I don't usually burn incense at home.

She likes to burn incense while practising yoga.

CEFR Practice Quiz

During the temple ceremony, they burned sweet ____ to create a pleasant smell.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The sweet smell of ____ filled the ancient temple as the priests began the morning prayer.

Word Origin & History

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.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"When the folding-doors were on such solemn occasions thrown open, and the new Abbot appeared on the threshold in full-blown dignity, with ring and mitre, and dalmatique and crosier, his hoary standard-bearers and his juvenile dispensers of incense preceding him, and the venerable train of monks behind him, with all besides which could announce the supreme authority to which he was now raised, his appearance was a signal for the magnificent jubilate to rise from the organ and music-loft, and to be joined by the corresponding bursts of Alleluiah from the whole assembled congregation." — 1820, [Walter Scott], chapter XIII, in The Abbot. […], volume I, Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne & Co.] for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, […]; and for Archibald Constable and Company, and John Ballantyne, […], →OCLC, page 281:

"Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labour to incense / Thy glorious heap of funeral." — [1611?], Homer, “(please specify |book=I to XXIV)”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., The Iliads of Homer Prince of Poets. […], London: […] Nathaniell Butter, →OCLC; republished as The Iliads of Homer, Prince of Poets, […], new edition, volume (please specify the book number), London: Charles Knight and Co., […], 1843, →OCLC:

"His Grace the Duke of Wellington was incensed greatly, and as badge of dishonor ordered that a strip of cherry colored ribbon be sewed on their trowser seams." — 1909 December 1, “‘Traditions’”, in Fresno Herald and Democrat, last edition, volume XLI, number 1008, Fresno, Calif., →OCLC, page 4, column 2:

"Few political careers start when people are in their 70s, but Hendy is actually relishing it, although he is incensed sometimes by the pointlessness of the posturing by the opposition, which keeps him up late. "The bit I don't like is getting home at 0100 or 0200 in the morning because the opposition have been fruitlessly arguing for a long time."" — 2025 October 1, Christian Wolmar, “Rail Minister at the heart of rail reform”, in RAIL, number 1045, page 35:

"And after this Almachius hastily Bad his ministres fecchen openly Cecile, so that she mighte in his presence Doon sacrifyce, and Iupiter encense. And after this, Almachius hastily Ordered his ministers to fetch publicly Cecile, so that she might in his presence Do sacrifice and burn incense to Jupiter." — late 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Second Nun's Tale, The Canterbury Tales, line 410-413

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