chainsaw

noun

chain·​saw ˈchān-ˌsȯ How to pronounce chainsaw (audio)
variants or less commonly chain saw
plural chainsaws also chain saws
: a portable power tool used for cutting that has sharp teeth linked together to form a continuous chain
chainsaw transitive verb
chainsawed; chainsawed also chainsawn ˈchān-ˌsȯn How to pronounce chainsaw (audio) ; chainsawing; chainsaws

Examples of chainsaw 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.
Listen to people who own chainsaws and know how to use them safely. — Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Three Fall Must-Dos Enjoy traditional German and Swiss food, craft beer, live music, chainsaw carving, and wagon rides at Oktoberfest, held downtown the last weekend of September. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 Firefighters pumped thousands of gallons of water into the blaze, then climbed onto the roof with chainsaws to cut holes for ventilation. — Rob Moore, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Tools and tool parts, including wrenches, chainsaw blades, rakes and sledgehammers also appear, along with electronics like smartphones, television cameras, radar apparatuses, video monitors and parts for manufacturing electronics. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chainsaw

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chainsaw was in 1946

Rhymes for chainsaw

See All Rhymes for chainsaw

Browse Nearby Words

chain rule
chainsaw
chain scale
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chainsaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chainsaw. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chain saw

noun
: a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form a continuous chain
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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