1
: having an end sawed off
a sawed-off shotgun
2
: of less than average height

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sawed-off was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near sawed-off

Cite this Entry

“Sawed-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sawed-off. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

sawed-off

adjective
ˈsȯ-ˌdȯf
: having an end sawed off
a sawed-off shotgun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY