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• chain saw
  chain saw

  noun

  a power saw, usually portable, having teeth set on an endless chain.
• chain-saw
  chain-saw

  verb (used with object)

  to cut or cut down (lumber, a tree, etc.) with a chain saw.

chain saw

¹ American  

noun

1. a power saw, usually portable, having teeth set on an endless chain.

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chain-saw ² American  

[cheyn-saw] / ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔ /

Or chainsaw

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or cut down (lumber, a tree, etc.) with a chain saw.

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verb (used without object)

1. to use a chain saw.

chain saw British  

noun

1. a motor-driven saw, usually portable, in which the cutting teeth form links in a continuous chain

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Etymology

Origin of chain saw¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Origin of chain-saw²

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain saw chain-saw

If, for example, I could pick up a chain saw or an electric drill and have the controls automatically switch to accommodate my dominant left hand, civilization would have made great strides forward.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

When A.I. took my job, I bought a chain saw.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 31, 2025

Milei’s post-midterms victory speech kindled hope for less chain saw and more coalition building over the next two years, Stock says.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2025

A suspect was arrested after surveillance video and community tips led police to a man they say used a chain saw to cut down at least 13 trees in and around downtown Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2025

“Guess it’s time to see how a chain saw works in hundred-and-fifty.mile-an-hour winds,” John said.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith

In the chain-saw paradigm, the scariest monster is the one born in your own backyard.

From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2024

For example, if the goal is rapid decay -- such as within five years, to rapidly create snags in an area with few or none -- chain-saw topping seems to be the best method.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2024

He appreciated the liveliness of the place, and the energy that the simple sound of a roaring chain-saw can bring to the game.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 17, 2023

Remember, we’re talking about an area where a chain-saw manufacturer bought the London Bridge and had it shipped over to provide a crossing over desert sand.

From Golf Digest ● Mar. 30, 2020

Staring at that figure I painted, I realize there is something sad about the chain-saw artistry of Buddy Gui.

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson