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 notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who saws wood for a living, or a submerged log in a river.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sawyers
Fill the gap
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."
Synonyms
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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.
