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Definition of sandman

sandman

/ˈsænd.mæn/
sand · man
Plural:sandmen
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sandman Lexical Profile

sandman Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mythical or folkloric figure said to bring sleep and pleasant dreams to children by sprinkling magical sand or dust into their eyes at night.

Example

"The tired toddler rubbed his eyes, prompting his mother to joke that the sandman was on his way."

2

A person whose occupation is digging, hauling, or selling sand, or tending sandboxes on a locomotive.

Example

"In the nineteenth century, the local sandman delivered cartloads of fine river sand for scrubbing kitchen floors."

• Rhymes for sandman

• Nearby Words

sandix
sandlike
sandlot
sandman
sandpainting
sandpaper
sandpapery

Word Origin & Etymology

Attested in English since the late 18th century (likely influenced by German 'Sandmann' and Scandinavian folklore), the term refers to the dried rheum or crusty discharge found in the corners of one's eyes upon waking, fancied to be magical sand sprinkled by a nocturnal sprite to induce sleep.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sandman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sandman
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