agarwood
noun
agar·wood
ˈa-gər-ˌwu̇d 
ˈä-
: the soft, dark heartwood that is produced by any of various southeast Asian evergreen trees (genus Aquilaria, especially A. malaccensis synonym A. agallocha) when they become infected with a fungus and that contains a fragrant resin used chiefly to produce incense, perfumes, and traditional medicines
With prices for noncultivated agarwood rising to $10,000 a kilo, few local shopkeepers welcome mere browsers.—
Jennifer Gampell
Jennifer Gampellcalled also aloes, aloeswood, eaglewood
Examples of agarwood in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its incense comes in three fragrances that share a woody thread: Enlighten has notes of oud-like agarwood and cypress, while Halcyon layers cedarwood with sage and palo santo.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
Top-growing fragrance trends reveal consumers’ quest for unique or exotic experiences through scent, whether through spiritual and holistic scents like agarwood incense, unconventional and food-inspired aromas like pistachio and tomato, or the allure of rich, opulent Arabian scents.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2025
That resin, known as oud or agarwood, is among the most precious raw materials on Earth, often worth more than gold by weight.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Visitors also discovered a Zen Room with agarwood scents, cushions and bell chimes, offering a tranquil pause before returning to the bustle of Paris.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
The fruity musk combination feels like liquid sunshine, and the way the soursop and pomegranate blend with that subtle agarwood base creates this incredible depth that keeps me reaching for it again and again.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 July 2025
In much of the Arab world, oud — a deeply resinous, smoky perfume oil derived from agarwood — is layered into the culture.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
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Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
Top-growing fragrance trends reveal consumers’ quest for unique or exotic experiences through scent, whether through spiritual and holistic scents like agarwood incense, unconventional and food-inspired aromas like pistachio and tomato, or the allure of rich, opulent Arabian scents.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2025
That resin, known as oud or agarwood, is among the most precious raw materials on Earth, often worth more than gold by weight.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Visitors also discovered a Zen Room with agarwood scents, cushions and bell chimes, offering a tranquil pause before returning to the bustle of Paris.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
The fruity musk combination feels like liquid sunshine, and the way the soursop and pomegranate blend with that subtle agarwood base creates this incredible depth that keeps me reaching for it again and again.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 July 2025
In much of the Arab world, oud — a deeply resinous, smoky perfume oil derived from agarwood — is layered into the culture.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agarwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agarwood. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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