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.
Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The Tobe Hooper classic, partly inspired by real-life killer Ed Gein, follows five young people on a road trip through rural Texas who have the misfortune of crossing paths with a cannibalistic family and the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 Under the light of the midnight sun, Olstead and a partner used a chainsaw to remove brush. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Listen to people who own chainsaws and know how to use them safely. — Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 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 7 Sep. 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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