1
a
: a loose granular material that results from the disintegration of rocks, consists of particles smaller than gravel but coarser than silt, and is used in mortar, glass, abrasives, and foundry molds
b
: soil containing 85 percent or more of sand and a maximum of 10 percent of clay
broadly
: sandy soil
3
: the sand in an hourglass
also
: the moments of a lifetime
—usually used in plural
the sands of this government run out very rapidly —
H. J. Laski
H. J. Laski 4
: an oil-producing formation of sandstone or unconsolidated sand
5
: firm resolution
6
: a yellowish-gray color
sanded; sanding; sands
1
: to sprinkle or dust with or as if with sand
2
: to cover or fill with sand
3
: to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (such as sandpaper)
Synonyms
Examples of sand in a Sentence
Noun
The beaches are covered with pinkish sand.
I have sand in my shoe.
The children are playing in the sand.
She walked across the hot sand.
Verb
You should sand the shelf before painting it.
Be sure to sand before you paint the shelf.
The streets are slippery because they haven't been sanded yet.
Recent Examples on the WebJanet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2024
Under the law, people have the right to use the beach as far as the mean high tide line, which is generally considered to be the wet or damp sand area of the beach.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2024
Jason Clayworth, Axios, 26 July 2024
The two main grout categories are sanded and unsanded, which refers to the inclusion of sand in the grout.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sand 
Noun
Visit the farm on Route 108 throughout the month and purchase a bag of sand, gems and minerals.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2024
Under the law, people have the right to use the beach as far as the mean high tide line, which is generally considered to be the wet or damp sand area of the beach.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2024
Verb
Annie and Eric have been sanded and repainted just in time to welcome visitors to the Iowa State Fair, which starts Aug. 8.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 26 July 2024
The two main grout categories are sanded and unsanded, which refers to the inclusion of sand in the grout.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sand
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sand
Cite this Entry
“Sand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sand. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sand
1 of 2 noun1
: loose material in grains produced by the natural breaking up of rocks
2
: a soil made up mostly of sand
sand
2 of 2 verb1
: to sprinkle with sand
2
: to smooth by rubbing with sandpaper
Medical Definition
sand
noun
: gritty particles in various body tissues or fluids see brain sand
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