sandman
noun
sand·man
ˈsan(d)-ˌman 
: a genie in folklore who makes children sleepy by sprinkling sand in their eyes
—often used to personify sleep
trying to fight off the sandman
Examples of sandman in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Summer Christmas Notes of: surfing Santas, December sunscreen and frozen hot chocolate
Surfboards instead of sleighs, sandmen instead of snowmen — thanks to the 23.44-degree tilt of Earth’s rotational axis, Christmas isn’t necessarily about being out in the cold.
—
Frank Rojas Erik Carter, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023
So, take the prescription for the sandman’s visit with a grain of salt.
—Sarah White, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2019
The titular sandman of the title is Morpheus, the supernatural being who goes more commonly by the name of Dream.
—Philip Ellis and Milan Polk, Men's Health, 7 June 2022
The claims haven’t changed in decades—lavender summons the sandman; peppermint peps you up—but modern manifestations are decidedly more luxe than those amber bottles at the health-food store.
—April Long, Marie Claire, 20 Feb. 2019
Marley and Me Avengers infinity war Two of the most depressing movies in this world
— aka sandman (@MylesGAS) April 27, 2018
Disbelief and grief cloaked us like sweat.
—Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, 27 Apr. 2018
Sandman was third with 21 sailfish and won the Quest for the Crest as the top team over the four-tournament series.
—Steve Waters, Sun-Sentinel.com, 2 May 2017
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Frank Rojas Erik Carter, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023
So, take the prescription for the sandman’s visit with a grain of salt.
—Sarah White, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2019
The titular sandman of the title is Morpheus, the supernatural being who goes more commonly by the name of Dream.
—Philip Ellis and Milan Polk, Men's Health, 7 June 2022
The claims haven’t changed in decades—lavender summons the sandman; peppermint peps you up—but modern manifestations are decidedly more luxe than those amber bottles at the health-food store.
—April Long, Marie Claire, 20 Feb. 2019
Marley and Me Avengers infinity war Two of the most depressing movies in this world
— aka sandman (@MylesGAS) April 27, 2018
Disbelief and grief cloaked us like sweat.
—Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, 27 Apr. 2018
Sandman was third with 21 sailfish and won the Quest for the Crest as the top team over the four-tournament series.
—Steve Waters, Sun-Sentinel.com, 2 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Sandman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandman. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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sandman
noun
sand·man
ˈsan(d)-ˌman
: the magical being of folklore who is said to make children sleepy by sprinkling sand in their eyes
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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