sandpaper

1 of 2

noun

sand·​pa·​per ˈsan(d)-ˌpā-pər How to pronounce sandpaper (audio)
: paper covered on one side with abrasive material (such as sand) glued fast and used for smoothing and polishing
sandpapery adjective

sandpaper

2 of 2

verb

sandpapered; sandpapering; sandpapers

transitive verb

: to rub with or as if with sandpaper

Examples of sandpaper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The color also faded a little after rubbing the sheets with sandpaper. Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024 Think of it as using an appropriate grit of sandpaper when polishing something. Aditya Malik, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Verb
After its mining operations flopped, the company pivoted to sandpaper and then to a series of clever inventions aimed at improving everyday life. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 20 May 2024 Among them – 3M, a giant company that has manufactured everything from masking tape to sandpaper to a synthetic rubber used in space boots. Johanna Mayer, Scientific American, 23 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sandpaper 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1755, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandpaper was in 1755

Dictionary Entries Near sandpaper

Cite this Entry

“Sandpaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandpaper. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sandpaper

1 of 2 noun
sand·​pa·​per -ˌpā-pər How to pronounce sandpaper (audio)
: paper with rough material (as sand) glued on one side and used for smoothing and polishing

sandpaper

2 of 2 verb
: to rub with or as if with sandpaper
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!