Word
sandalwood
Phoneticssan·dal·wood
UK/sˈændəlwˌʊd/
Definitions
01fragrant wood or scent
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the wood from a tropical tree that has a strong, pleasant smell. You often find this scent in perfumes, candles, and soaps.
n. the aromatic heartwood of Santalum trees, widely utilised in perfumery, aromatherapy, and the manufacture of incense.
“The room was filled with the warm, woody scent of sandalwood incense.”
“The perfumer selected sandalwood as the base note to provide a creamy, long-lasting finish to the floral composition.”
02the tree
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a tropical tree that grows in places like India and Australia and is famous for its scented wood.
n. any of various tropical evergreen trees of the genus Santalum, particularly those native to India and the Pacific islands.
“Farmers in the region are planting more sandalwood trees because the wood is so valuable.”
“Conservation efforts have intensified to protect native sandalwood species from over-harvesting due to the high global demand for their essential oils.”
03Kannada cinema
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Informal · Dialect
n. a nickname for the Kannada-language movie industry in India.
n. a metonym for the Kannada-language film industry based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
“Many famous actors in Sandalwood started their careers in local theatre.”
“The recent commercial success of several high-budget productions has significantly raised the international profile of Sandalwood.”
Real-World Examples
“She recommends fragrances such as sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon and cardamom as they "are perfect for bringing a sense of comfort into the home".” “Sleek pens are made out of titanium, brass, copper, steel, aluminium, wood - including fragrant sandalwood - and even buffalo horn.” “I tested with My Way, which is inspired by 1 Hotel and smells like leather, amber, and sandalwood.” “I used it with Neom’s Real Luxury oil blend, which balances rich jasmine with touches of lavender and sandalwood.” Etymology
From sandal + wood, the first component being from Middle English sandal (“sandalwood”), from Medieval Latin sandalum, from Byzantine Greek σάνδανον (sándanon), σάνταλον (sántalon), from Arabic صَنْدَل (ṣandal), from Middle Persian [script needed] (cndl /čandal/, “sandalwood”), from Sanskrit चन्दन (candana, “sandalwood”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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