sawdust

noun

saw·​dust ˈsȯ-(ˌ)dəst How to pronounce sawdust (audio)
: fine particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

Examples of sawdust in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His reputation grew as an amazing deal-maker who could sell sawdust to termites. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Nearby, city sanitary workers roamed the streets, toting sawdust and complaining of unpleasant finds. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Also, Biden’s attorneys said federal prosecutors confused a picture of sawdust with cocaine in a court filing. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2024 It was placed in a box and covered in sawdust taken from the many tree trimmings at the park. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2024 Oil, acrylic medium, aqua resin, epoxy resin, and sawdust on linen over panel. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024 Five strides up hill, then time for thrill. Pick up sawdust cube and be deft. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2024 Grease and oil stains: Sprinkle sawdust, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain to absorb any spills. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2024 This included an incense stick lit for five minutes, a mixture of flour, sawdust, and dirt placed around one floor mark, and a room deodorizer sprayed for 10 seconds. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sawdust.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sawdust was circa 1528

Dictionary Entries Near sawdust

Cite this Entry

“Sawdust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sawdust. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sawdust

noun
saw·​dust ˈsȯd-(ˌ)əst How to pronounce sawdust (audio)
: tiny particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

More from Merriam-Webster on sawdust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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