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jigsaw

American  
[jig-saw] / ˈdʒɪgˌsɔ /

noun

  1. Also jig saw an electric machine saw with a narrow blade mounted vertically in a frame, for cutting curves or other difficult lines or patterns.

verb (used with object)

jigsawed, jigsawed, jigsawn, jigsawing

  1. to cut or form with a jigsaw.

adjective

  1. formed by or as if by a jigsaw.

    jigsaw ornamentation.
jigsaw British  
/ ˈdʒɪɡˌsɔː /

noun

  1. a mechanical saw with a fine steel blade for cutting intricate curves in sheets of material

  2. See jigsaw puzzle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of jigsaw

First recorded in 1870–75; jig 2 + saw 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Consumer advocates say the Los Angeles complaints are one piece in a nationwide jigsaw of complaints and lawsuits alleging State Farm is unfairly limiting claims payouts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

So, when the Scots were also offered a friendly against Ivory Coast, from the same confederation as another of their Group C foes, Morocco, the final bit of their preparation jigsaw was in place.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

My goal when I get home is a jigsaw puzzle — with either a podcast or jazz on in the background — until probably like 2 in the morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

“Everyone is really trying to unpiece the jigsaw and get some clarity as to what level of participation they’ll be able to have in it,” Paine said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

I don’t know who this Willem Bloem is, but I bet he’s part of this strange jigsaw I’m trying to put together.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.