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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

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

Only in the past couple of years, Sansom explained, did watchful staff members start swooping in to “borrow” Bamberger’s chain saw whenever they caught him tramping around the property with one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 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

Tomás’s yellow form appeared in front of the headlights, holding a chain saw.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith