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

In particular, Protect Your Energy employs sandalwood aromatherapy; Dip Out uses chamomile, and Recovery Mode features peppermint. —Emily Burns, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025

The dry down reveals creamy tonka bean and sandalwood base notes, grounding the composition with a soft, cashmere-like warmth that lingers beautifully. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025

Think cinchona bark, yuzu, orris root, even sandalwood. —Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appétit, 9 Jan. 2025

The Fenty Hair signature scent is a warm and cozy combination of amber, floral, and vanilla sandalwood notes. —Monique Wilson, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2024

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