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

Patchouli, incense, and sandalwood add a darker, woodsy depth, while red fruits bring a touch of sweetness. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Timor was fought over by the Dutch and Portuguese—a battle rooted in the sandalwood and spice trade—resulting in its split into East and West. — Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026

Melting Flowers combines nectarine, jasmine, gardenia and musks; Musc Pétille blends ambrette, peach nectar, magnolia and sandalwood, while Lubanite mixes marine, smoky and resinous notes including olibanum and ambergris. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Vendetta Donna blends floral, gourmand and woody notes, with juicy red orange nectar and creamy sandalwood. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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