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
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.
Neroli to ease nervousness, lilac to welcome new beginnings, rose and sandalwood to summon love. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 Vanilla Bouclé offers a similar sensual scent experience, this time leaning more into the sweetness of gourmands and woody notes like white almond, coconut milk, sandalwood and chamomile. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 DedCool understood the assignment and included a warm base of Australian sandalwood, amber, and white musk to soften the scent. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 3 Oct. 2026 The Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum is sensual yet spirited, with notes of ginger, tuberose and sandalwood. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sandalwood

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

Phrases Containing sandalwood

Browse Nearby Words

sandal tree
sandalwood
Sandalwood English
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sandalwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandalwood. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sandalwood

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