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

The contender from South America, along with its cousin, the white bellbird, has a call that can hit the earsplitting decibels of a chainsaw or jackhammer. — Meghan Bartels, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

The property owner told deputies someone entered a shop and stole six chainsaws, three weed eaters, three water pumps, a pressure washer and a Craftsman toolbox. — Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The property owner told deputies someone had broken into a shop and stolen several tools, including chainsaws, weed eaters and water pumps, along with a 2022 GMC Sierra. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

After jiggling it in the lock for a bit, Brunson resorts to a sledge hammer and finally a chainsaw, without success. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 23 Sep. 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