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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

The chain saw success working with Paramount Pictures on a SpongeBob menu released in December, featuring items like a Krabby Whopper with a bright yellow bun and a Patrick Star-themed strawberry shortcake pie.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 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

“So it appears,” I replied, my voice sounding like a rusty chain saw.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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

From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2024

He learned that chain-saw topping was the best way to have a rotting, standing dead tree after a couple of decades, especially if the topped tree had minimal live branches left in in place.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2024

“I would defer to milder disinfectants and cleaners, rather than going to the chain-saw version of a cleaner,” he said.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 24, 2020

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

I want his display of chain-saw art and his sign for the aliens overhead to all look as stupid and pathetic as they possibly can.

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