chainsaw

noun

chain·​saw ˈchān-ˌsȯ 

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  ; chainsawing; chainsaws

Examples of chainsaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That goes double for The Devil Wears Prada’s tyrannical Miranda Priestly, in which Streep turns an icy glare into a weapon tantamount to Leatherface’s chainsaw. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

As storm clean-up continues, residents may borrow tools like water pumps, chainsaws, fans, ladders, garden equipment and other tools from Empower Tools, a tool lending library, at no cost. — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2026

Smith was operating equipment, reportedly a chainsaw, that did not comply with fire prevention requirements and was capable of producing sparks, according to Cal Fire. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Andy will cut a trail through a pine thicket, briar patch, or other thick cover in the woods using a skid steer, brush hog, or electric chainsaw. — Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chainsaw

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau
• foresaw

Kids Definition

chain saw

noun

: a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form a continuous chain