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noun

jigsaw

JIHG-saw

Jigsaw (noun) means a power tool with a thin blade that moves rapidly up and down, used to cut curved shapes in wood or metal. Example: “He used a jigsaw to cut the curved edge of the shelf.”

noun
1
A power tool with a thin blade that moves rapidly up and down, used to cut curved shapes in wood or metal.
"He used a jigsaw to cut the curved edge of the shelf."
2
A puzzle made of oddly shaped interlocking pieces that form a picture when assembled; a jigsaw puzzle.
"They spent the rainy afternoon putting together a thousand-piece jigsaw."
"The last few pieces of the jigsaw were the hardest to find."

How to use jigsaw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the cutting power tool or the interlocking picture puzzle named after it.

Common pairings
jigsaw puzzle jigsaw blade

Word forms

jigsawed past tense, jigsawn past tense, jigsaws plural, jigsaws singular

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He used a _____ to cut the curved edge of the shelf.

Etymology

From "jig" (referring to the saw's jerking motion) plus "saw."

fretsaw saber saw scroll saw reciprocating saw

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “jigsaw” mean?

The word “jigsaw” means a power tool with a thin blade that moves rapidly up and down, used to cut curved shapes in wood or metal. In plain terms, either the cutting power tool or the interlocking picture puzzle named after it.

How do you pronounce “jigsaw”?

“Jigsaw” is pronounced JIHG-saw (/ˈd͡ʒɪɡ.sɔ/ in IPA).

How do you use “jigsaw” in a sentence?

Here is “jigsaw” used in a sentence: “He used a jigsaw to cut the curved edge of the shelf.”

What part of speech is “jigsaw”?

“Jigsaw” is a noun.

How many meanings does “jigsaw” have?

“Jigsaw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a power tool with a thin blade that moves rapidly up and down, used to cut curved shapes in wood or metal.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial