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 soft path goes electric Modern technologies turn the chainsaw analogy on its head by making electrification the soft path to reducing energy use. — Daniel Cohan, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

An Alabama man is accused of decapitating two family members with a chainsaw after a relative called 911 about his behavior. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Related Stories This leads to… his accidental death by chainsaw. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Body camera footage shows a firefighter climbing across the ladder onto the roof with a chainsaw. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 12 Oct. 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