sandpaper

1 of 2

noun

sand·​pa·​per ˈsan(d)-ˌpā-pər How to pronounce sandpaper (audio)
Synonyms of sandpapernext
: 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 How to pronounce sandpaper (audio)
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 best products to use for removing scratches out of stainless steel safely is Bar Keepers Friend, a Scotch Brite pad, or fine-grit sandpaper. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025 Not with Mahomes and Travis Kelce in more commercials than the Manning brothers, their excellence rubbed in our faces like sandpaper. — Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
Similar to sandpaper, steel wool has various grades to choose from—ranging from super fine to extra coarse. — Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025 English speakers floundered when talking about touch (in response to sandpaper, felt, rubber, etc.), but speakers of certain other languages—such as Dogul Dom, in Mali, and Siwu, in Ghana—tended to agree in their descriptions. — Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 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

Rhymes for sandpaper

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Browse Nearby Words

sandpaper
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Cite this Entry

“Sandpaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandpaper. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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
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