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 three-pack includes green tea, citrus-sandalwood, and fragrance-free versions, and buyers say the little bottles are easy to keep in a purse or pocket. — Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026

This holiday season, consider gifting a luxe candle like the Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle, which features top notes of sandalwood and amber, middle notes of orris, ambrox, and cedar, and base notes of violet leaves, vetiver, and crystal. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026

With notes of sandalwood, amber, iris, and leather, the fragrance works year-round and feels at home in a bathroom or on a kitchen counter. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2026

Santal 33 turned creamy sandalwood into a sexy, mineralic fog. — Arabelle Sicardi, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 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