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

With notes of vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, and jasmine, the hair and body mist wraps you in a creamy and cozy olfactory blanket, tucking you in for a night of sweet dreams. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025

Who wouldn’t covet one, especially when it’s infused with a unisex scent grounded in sandalwood and vetiver? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025

The dream team of rose and sandalwood take center stage, rounded out with jasmine, musk and ambrox. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Notes of apple, tobacco, sandalwood, clove, and cinnamon channel the aroma of hookah smoke drifting through lively streets. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 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