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noun Uncommon

sawyer

SAW-yuh

Sawyer (noun) means a person whose job is sawing timber. Example: “The sawyer cut the trunk into even planks.”

noun
1
A person whose job is sawing timber.
"The sawyer cut the trunk into even planks."
2
A fallen tree trunk lodged in a river by the current.
"Boaters were warned to watch for sawyers hidden just below the surface."

How to use sawyer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who saws wood for a living, or a submerged log in a river.

Word forms

sawyers plural, Sawyers plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ cut the trunk into even planks.

Etymology

From Middle English sawyer, formed from "saw" plus the occupational ending "-yer."

Origin: Middle English

timber cutter log cutter sawmill worker snag

Related words

Rhymes for sawyer

See all rhymes for sawyer →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sawyer” mean?

The word “sawyer” means a person whose job is sawing timber. In plain terms, someone who saws wood for a living, or a submerged log in a river.

How do you pronounce “sawyer”?

“Sawyer” is pronounced SAW-yuh (/ˈsɔɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “sawyer” in a sentence?

Here is “sawyer” used in a sentence: “The sawyer cut the trunk into even planks.”

What part of speech is “sawyer”?

“Sawyer” is a noun.

Where does the word “sawyer” come from?

The word “sawyer” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sawyer, formed from "saw" plus the occupational ending "-yer.".

Is “sawyer” a common word?

“Sawyer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “sawyer” have?

“Sawyer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person whose job is sawing timber.

What is the difference between a sawyer and a lumberjack?

A sawyer is specifically a person whose job is sawing timber, often working with a saw or sawmill, while a lumberjack is a broader term for someone who fells trees in a forest. A lumberjack may cut trees down, but the sawyer is the one who cuts the wood into usable planks or lengths.

Why is a fallen log in a river called a sawyer?

A sawyer, in this sense, is a tree trunk that has fallen into a river and become lodged by the current, often bobbing or shifting underwater. The name likely comes from the trunk's sawing-like up-and-down motion in the water, which made it a hazard for boats.

Is sawyer a common surname?

Yes, Sawyer is a well-known English surname that originally derives from the occupation of sawing timber, much like other job-based surnames such as Carpenter or Mason.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial