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

Examples of sawed-off in a Sentence

he was an unpleasant, sawed-off man who seemed to believe that aggressiveness could make up for his perceived deficiency
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.
The Senate kept the provision on silencers in its version of the bill and expanded upon it, adding short-barreled, or sawed-off, rifles and shotguns. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sawed-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sawed-off. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sawed-off

adjective
ˈsȯ-ˌdȯf
: having an end sawed off
a sawed-off shotgun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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