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 nose features complex sandalwood, cigar box, candied orange, and plum aromas. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Try layering it with Le Labo’s Santal 33 – the creamy sandalwood amplifies the warmth of the hazelnut while adding a subtle smokiness that’s perfect for evening. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 1 Jan. 2025

The pack includes delightful scents, like sandalwood and bergamot. —Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024

Notes: Sicilian lemon, mandarin, orange flower, Egyptian jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, waterlily This Smells Like: A fresh citrus. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 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