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

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With its top notes of black lemon and tumeric, woody heart of patchouli, sandalwood, and vetiver and base of leather and vanilla, the second fragrance, ECCCO evoking notions of transformation and resilience, is inspired by the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. —Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

It’s infused with Oribe’s signature Côte d’Azur scent, which features notes like creamy sandalwood and bright Calabrian bergamot. —Victoria Moorhouse, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025

The 2021 vintage is no exception and offers heady aromas of black currant, spicy sandalwood, and a whiff of English toffee. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025

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