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

One of the men smeared our foreheads with sandalwood paste, vermilion, and rice. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

Leaf-roller moths are named for their association with host plants, including the endangered ʻiliahi (sandalwood), which many of these species depend on. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

Notes of lime, black tea, cardamom, and lily-of-the-valley convey an expansive feeling of nature, but the sandalwood drydown is what lingers long after the citrusy and herbaceous top notes disappear. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 31 Mar. 2026

The scent—redolent of cedarwood, sandalwood, pomegranate, and frankincense—sets a calm, grounding tone for any visit. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

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