sandpaper

1 of 2

noun

sand·​pa·​per ˈsan(d)-ˌpā-pər 

: paper covered on one side with abrasive material (such as sand) glued fast and used for smoothing and polishing

sandpapery

ˈsan(d)-ˌpā-p(ə-)rē 

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

Noun

Think of it as using an appropriate grit of sandpaper when polishing something. —Aditya Malik, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Sanding can be done by hand with 60-grit sandpaper or sanding block, if your cabinets only need a light sanding. —Kenzi Wilbur, Architectural Digest, 11 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1755, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sandpaper

1 of 2 noun

sand·​pa·​per -ˌpā-pər 

: 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