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

Opening with juicy notes of peach skin and plum, the fragrance has a musky, woody base comprised of white moss, sandalwood, and an ambery synthetic fragrance called orcanox. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025

Limbo combines rhubarb, ylang-ylang, hay, myrrh, and sandalwood to create a lush, green aroma. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025

Infused with sandalwood and cardamom oil, this 4-in-1 bar is gentle enough for face, hair, body and shaving. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Plus, its signature citrus and sandalwood fragrance transforms wash day into a refreshing, luxurious experience. —Erin Parker, Allure, 22 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