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

Go ahead and bask in this glamorous tangle of bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, and sandalwood. —Sarah Han, Allure, 12 May 2025

Developed in partnership with fragrance house International Flavors and Fragrances Inc., the bronzing oil is jasmine and sandalwood scented, while the Renewal calming oil features lavender, cedarwood and eucalyptus notes. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 May 2025

Currently, the new batch is still aging and therefore unavailable, but the first batch spent five years in barrels and another 10 in glass jugs, giving it notes of sandalwood, baking spices, and herbs. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

Beverly Nguyen, who favors the green tea, cypress, and sandalwood scents. —Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 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