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

Zettle wanted to be sure the black vultures in the sky would be able to see the one hanging in the tree, and so Willmore used a chainsaw to cut away some of the branches. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Looking through the nearby woods in the dark, they are chased by Leatherface, who kills Franklin with his chainsaw. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

Land managers can also send in hand crews to take down shrubs with loppers, hoes and chainsaws. — Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Of course, there are also nods to the beloved Raimi-era chainsaw with power tools like a brush trimmer and a heavy-duty hammer drill. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 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