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
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
Among the most luxurious perfumes in the world, oud fragrances get their distinctive scent from an aromatic resin found in infected agarwood trees.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025
In natural forests, approximately 10% of wild aquilaria trees produce agarwood (although some estimates put that number as low as 2%).
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
The injured tree must be cut down to retrieve the agarwood, which is extracted from the trunk and the root.
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Liberty has perfectly balanced the warm, spicy, intoxicating heart and base notes (cedarwood, myrrh, patchouli, leather and agarwood, aka oud) with the bright and sparkling.
—Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024
My favorite, Stag, the 2022 Indie Fragrance Foundation of the Year winner, is a woody scent blending palo santo, agarwood, and leather, creating an irresistible aroma best worn during the cooler months.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 11 July 2024
Official tasting notes describe a sweet and floral palate with spiced sandalwood and agarwood, followed by a long finish with undertones of mizunara.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2023
The resin, also known as agarwood, forms within aquilaria trees and is one of the most expensive raw materials used in perfumery.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 8 Dec. 2022
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Among the most luxurious perfumes in the world, oud fragrances get their distinctive scent from an aromatic resin found in infected agarwood trees.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025
In natural forests, approximately 10% of wild aquilaria trees produce agarwood (although some estimates put that number as low as 2%).
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
The injured tree must be cut down to retrieve the agarwood, which is extracted from the trunk and the root.
—Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Liberty has perfectly balanced the warm, spicy, intoxicating heart and base notes (cedarwood, myrrh, patchouli, leather and agarwood, aka oud) with the bright and sparkling.
—Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024
My favorite, Stag, the 2022 Indie Fragrance Foundation of the Year winner, is a woody scent blending palo santo, agarwood, and leather, creating an irresistible aroma best worn during the cooler months.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 11 July 2024
Official tasting notes describe a sweet and floral palate with spiced sandalwood and agarwood, followed by a long finish with undertones of mizunara.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2023
The resin, also known as agarwood, forms within aquilaria trees and is one of the most expensive raw materials used in perfumery.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 8 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Agarwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agarwood. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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