balmy

[ bah-mee ]

adjective

, balm·i·er, balm·i·est.

1. mild and refreshing; soft; soothing:

   balmy weather.

   Synonyms: clement, temperate, gentle, fair

2. having the qualities of balm; aromatic; fragrant:

   balmy leaves.

3. producing balm:

   balmy plants; a balmy shrub.

4. Informal. crazy; foolish; eccentric.

balmy

/ ˈbɑːmɪ /

adjective

1. (of weather) mild and pleasant
2. having the qualities of balm; fragrant or soothing
3. a variant spelling of barmy

Derived Forms

• ˈbalminess, noun
• ˈbalmily, adverb

Other Words From

• balmi·ly adverb
• balmi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of balmy¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; balm + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, the same draws that make it a walkable gawk for touristas of every stripe makes it a frustrating exercise in perambulation for locals — kind of like New York’s Times Square with balmier weather.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet few would deny that something dark and eerie pulsates just below the balmy surface of the city of Angels.

From Los Angeles Times

In the summertime, the balmy Bronx streets would be filled with kids hanging out on their blocks with time to kill and limited means.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the Games's volunteers have had a ball in Paris, if the gleeful dancing by a troupe near the Stade de France on one balmy night is anything to go by.

From BBC

Sweet tea on a hot, balmy summer day revives and refreshes a body like few other things in this world, and perfectly sweet tea is where this ideal porch sipping cocktail starts.

From Salon

Related Words

• clement
• fair
• fine
• mild
• pleasant
• temperate
• warm