sandalwood

noun

san·​dal·​wood ˈsan-dᵊl-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the compact close-grained fragrant yellowish heartwood of a parasitic tree (Santalum album of the family Santalaceae, the sandalwood family) of southern Asia much used in ornamental carving and cabinetwork

also : the tree that yields this wood

2

: any of various trees other than the sandalwood some of which yield dyewoods

also : the fragrant wood of such a tree

Examples of sandalwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fragrance has a touch of pine, with a strong sandalwood and amber undercurrent that pairs well with your surroundings. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Located between northwestern Australia and Indonesia, the country occupies half of the island of Timor and was used by the Portuguese since the 17th century as a trading post for sandalwood. —Christopher Lamb, Helen Regan and Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024

Or for something a tad sweeter, try Mugler’s Angel Elixir, which has vanilla plus earthier tones of sandalwood and amber. 59% Off: Armani Beauty Sì Eau de Parfum, $50 (orig. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

The dry down presents a warm embrace of sandalwood and vanilla, grounding the white floral notes in a creamy, almost addictive sweetness. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

sandal sandalwood (from Middle English, from Anglo-French sandali, from Medieval Latin sandalum, from Late Greek santalon, ultimately from Sanskrit candana, of Dravidian origin; akin to Tamil cāntu sandalwood tree) + wood entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sandalwood

• sandalwood oil

Kids Definition

sandalwood

noun

san·​dal·​wood -ˌwu̇d 

: the close-grained fragrant yellowish wood of an Asian tree often used in carving and cabinetwork

also : the tree that yields this wood