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

There, notes of musk and sandalwood meet the sweet smells of Sol de Janeiro and…I’m getting a headache just thinking about it. —Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 20 June 2024

For example, the skylights from the store were recycled as flooring for the restaurant; the open-floor design is divided into smaller spaces with a distinct feel similar to a department store; and the signature scent is inspired by the store's lobby, blending leathery notes, sandalwood, and musk. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2024

Key Ingredients: Organic sugar, sandalwood powder, organic camellia, hemp seed oil. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 June 2024

She’s drawn to unisex scent Bond No.9 West Side, with notes of rose, ylang ylang, sandalwood, and musk. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 10 June 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