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 scent starts with a burst of cardamom and grapefruit, before melting into white chocolate and white florals (like jasmine), all anchored by sandalwood and cedarwood. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 21 July 2026

Kayali’s Maui In a Bottle balances creamy banana and coconut notes with light, airy solar florals (jasmine and gardenia), plus an alluring sandalwood base. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Featuring top notes of orange, bergamot, and lemon mixed with honeyed florals and the essence of musk, cedarwood, and sandalwood, each item leaves behind a clean, calming, slightly herbaceous scent. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

On my skin, the peony and pomelo opening felt bright without ever becoming too sharp, while jasmine, musk, and sandalwood melted into a soft, skin-like finish. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 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