sandpaper

American  

[sand-pey-per] / ˈsændˌpeɪ pər /

noun

1. strong paper coated with a layer of sand or other abrasive, used for smoothing or polishing.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to smooth or polish with or as if with sandpaper.

sandpaper British  

/ ˈsændˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. (formerly) a strong paper coated with sand for smoothing and polishing

2. a common name for glasspaper

---

verb

1. (tr) to polish or grind (a surface) with or as if with sandpaper

Etymology

Origin of sandpaper

First recorded in 1815–25; sand + paper

Explanation

Sandpaper is a special thick paper with a rough, abrasive surface. Painters will often sand a wall with sandpaper before painting it. Woodworkers use sandpaper to smooth wooden surfaces, and sandpaper is also useful for removing loose paint, grit, or dirt when you're painting or refinishing something. Sandpaper is thought to have been invented in thirteenth century China, from a crushed substance, often shells or sand, that was glued to parchment with natural gum. In the 1800s, a similar product called "glass paper" was made from crushed glass, which, despite its name, is sometimes still used in today's sandpaper.

Example Sentences

It took a lot to bestir Angelenos from their bungalows and Buicks, but their throats felt like sandpaper, and their chests hurt like the blazes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“Hard Truths” is sublime and soft in the way that a rough surface is smoothed to the touch by sandpaper.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025

Start with coarse sandpaper — maybe 80 grit — and work up to progressively finer grades, ending with 400 grit.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

The voice of Michael McDonald has been compared to velvet, silk and sandpaper, melted chocolate and last year, by a besotted 11-year-old girl, an angel.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

A shark’s skin is covered with minute tubercles that make it as rough as sandpaper.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel