noun Uncommon

chainsaw

CHAYN-saw

Chainsaw (noun) means a portable power saw with a rotating chain of cutting teeth, used mainly for cutting through trees and thick wood. Example: “He fired up the chainsaw to clear the fallen branches.”

noun

A portable power saw with a rotating chain of cutting teeth, used mainly for cutting through trees and thick wood.

"He fired up the chainsaw to clear the fallen branches."

"Loggers use chainsaws to fell large trees quickly."

verb

To cut something with a chainsaw, or figuratively, to cut something drastically.

"The new CEO chainsawed the marketing budget in half."

How to Use Chainsaw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA powered saw with a cutting chain, or figuratively, to make severe, sweeping cuts (to a budget, staff, etc.).

Common pairings

fire up the chainsaw chainsaw massacre chainsaw budget cuts

Word Forms

chainsawed past tense, chainsawn past tense, chainsaws plural, chainsaws singular

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He fired up the _____ to clear the fallen branches.

Etymology

A compound of "chain" and "saw," describing its rotating chain of cutting teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “chainsaw” mean?

The word “chainsaw” means a portable power saw with a rotating chain of cutting teeth, used mainly for cutting through trees and thick wood. In plain terms, a powered saw with a cutting chain, or figuratively, to make severe, sweeping cuts (to a budget, staff, etc.).

How do you pronounce “chainsaw”?

“Chainsaw” is pronounced CHAYN-saw (/ˈt͡ʃeɪnˌsɔ/ in IPA).

How do you use “chainsaw” in a sentence?

Here is “chainsaw” used in a sentence: “He fired up the chainsaw to clear the fallen branches.”

What part of speech is “chainsaw”?

Depending on how it is used, “chainsaw” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “chainsaw” a common word?

“Chainsaw” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “chainsaw” have?

“Chainsaw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a portable power saw with a rotating chain of cutting teeth, used mainly for cutting through trees and thick wood.