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 How to pronounce chainsaw (audio) ; chainsawing; chainsaws

Examples of chainsaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two of those chainsaws were recovered at the home and did not show trace evidence for blood. Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Under cross-examination, Wallace said investigators did not swab or collect two chainsaws found in Burke’s garage because both tested negative for possible traces of blood. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 Burke allegedly amputated two of Hernandez’s fingers after dismembering her body with a chainsaw to cover up evidence of the tattoo linking the two. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 The prosecution accessed his Amazon account, showing purchases and deliveries made under an alias for a cadaver bag, chainsaws, a mop, and an inflatable swimming pool seemingly made of the same blue material that was embedded in the corpse’s skin. Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chainsaw

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chainsaw was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chainsaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chainsaw. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

chain saw

noun
: a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form a continuous chain

More from Merriam-Webster on chainsaw

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