jigsaw

1 of 3

noun

jig·​saw ˈjig-ˌsȯ How to pronounce jigsaw (audio)
1
2
: a light portable electric saw with a vertically reciprocating blade that is used especially for cutting curves
3

jigsaw

2 of 3

verb

jigsawed; jigsawing; jigsaws

transitive verb

1
: to cut or form by or as if by a jigsaw
2
: to arrange or place in an intricate or interlocking way

jigsaw

3 of 3

adjective

: suggesting a jigsaw puzzle or its separate pieces

Examples of jigsaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
So everything is a sort of jigsaw of locations dotted about Rome and builds. Caroline Reilly, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 The last piece of the jigsaw that made him is now disconnected from the scene. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Verb
The transition from a team with three NBA talents to a squad jigsawed around Pritchard has had its ups and downs. Tyson Alger, OregonLive.com, 4 Jan. 2018 Taking care not to violate Supreme Court guidelines on minority representation, lawmakers jigsawed Texas into shapes that would decisively capture the state for the right. Michelle Legro, Longreads, 13 July 2017
Adjective
Over billions of years this process has created a moon covered in what looks like jigsaw pieces. Shannon Stirone, Wired, 9 May 2020 My mother parceled out the sins of my father, like jigsaw pieces, spread out over too many years. Robin Antalek, Longreads, 22 Apr. 2020 See all Example Sentences for jigsaw 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jigsaw was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near jigsaw

Cite this Entry

“Jigsaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jigsaw. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

jigsaw

noun
jig·​saw
ˈjig-ˌsȯ
: an electric saw with a narrow blade for cutting curved and irregular lines

More from Merriam-Webster on jigsaw

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