band saw

noun

: a saw in the form of an endless steel belt running over pulleys
also : a power saw using this device usually with the blade in a vertical position
bandsaw transitive verb
or band-saw

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of band saw was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Band saw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/band%20saw. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

band saw

noun
: a saw in the form of a continuous steel band running over pulleys

More from Merriam-Webster on band saw

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster