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

Vetiver, amberwood, and sandalwood give this best-selling scent its earthy expression. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

And, of course, the brand’s ambery-woody notes (hi, sandalwood and cedarwood) are the cherry on top. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

The Zen Matcha Light Dry Shampoo, which uses rice starch to mop up excess oil and has a refreshing chamomile, green tea, and sandalwood scent. —Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 3 Dec. 2025

This iconic perfume features top notes of citrus, vanilla and peach, with heart notes of sandalwood, oakmoss, jasmine, cedar and rose, for a truly sophisticated fragrance. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025

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