sandalwood

noun

san·​dal·​wood ˈsan-dᵊl-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce sandalwood (audio)
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 Its scent calls autumn to mind, with rich notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and honeyed amber resin. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2024 Palatine, with its creamy sandalwood base, practically begs to be mixed and matched. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 Sep. 2024 Suitable for use on all natural and treated hair colors—including silver and gray—the shampoo has a yuzu, chamomile, and creamy sandalwood scent that has aromatherapeutic benefits. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 July 2024 Try Goldfield & Banks White Sandalwood Eau De Parfum, with white sandalwood, fragrant thyme and all-encompassing amber. Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sandalwood 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sandalwood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandalwood was circa 1511

Dictionary Entries Near sandalwood

Cite this Entry

“Sandalwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandalwood. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sandalwood

noun
san·​dal·​wood -ˌwu̇d How to pronounce sandalwood (audio)
: the close-grained fragrant yellowish wood of an Asian tree often used in carving and cabinetwork
also : the tree that yields this wood

More from Merriam-Webster on sandalwood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!