noun
handsaw
HAND-saw
Handsaw (noun) means a saw small enough to be used with one hand. Example: “He trimmed the branch with an old handsaw.”
noun
1
A saw small enough to be used with one hand.
"He trimmed the branch with an old handsaw."
"A handsaw is slower than a power saw but easier to control."
"She keeps a handsaw in the shed for small jobs."
How to use handsaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA saw you hold and use with one hand.
When to use it
This is a plain, everyday word used in woodworking and DIY contexts.
Memory tip
Think of it as the opposite of a power saw: manual, one-handed, and simple.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
use a handsaw
sharpen a handsaw
cut with a handsaw
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like handsaw.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He trimmed the branch with an old _____.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English handsawe, formed from hand and saw. Related forms exist in other Germanic languages, including Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a handsaw?
It is a saw small enough to be operated with just one hand.
What is the difference between a handsaw and a backsaw?
A backsaw is a type of handsaw that has a reinforced edge along its back for extra stiffness.
Is handsaw one word?
Yes, though it can also be written as two words, hand saw.
What is the meaning of handsaw?
"handsaw" (noun) means a saw small enough to be used with one hand.
