Sand

Sand is a granular material made of finely divided rock and mineral particles. In everyday English, it can also mean the color that looks like dry, pale grains of this material.

Definition:

Its composition varies, but silica (often quartz) is predominant. Other minerals can include feldspar and mica, and in some places you may find organic fragments such as shells. Sand forms through weathering and erosion, when rocks are broken down by wind, water, and ice. The particles then get transported and deposited in environments such as beaches, deserts, and riverbeds. Sand is commonly described by grain size (from fine to coarse) and by color (from white to dark tones depending on local minerals), and it plays important roles in ecosystems by supporting habitats and helping with natural water filtration.

If you see “sand” used in a sentence about design or clothing, it usually means the sand-colored shade—similar to beige or light tan.

Example Sentences:

• Children built elaborate sand castles on the beach, decorating them with shells and seaweed.
• The desert landscape stretched for miles, with rolling sand dunes moving slowly over time.
• Construction workers mixed cement with sand and gravel to make stronger concrete.
• The wind whipped the sand across the dry riverbed, creating swirling patterns.
• Her shoes were filled with sand after her walk along the shoreline.
• The patio chairs came in a light sand color that blended with the garden.

Sand Synonyms:

Explore more sunshine words, or keep building your vocabulary with glass and content-related terms.