Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

musical saw

American  

noun

  1. a handsaw played as a musical instrument with a violin bow or a hammer while the saw is bent with varying tension to change the pitch.


Etymology

Origin of musical saw

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

With Leftie and Lonnie en route to the cabin, the score pulses with what sounds like a ticking time bomb, plus something like an eerie musical saw for some extra shivers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

Instruments involved: In New York City, Natalia Paruz is a professional bell ringer, musical saw player and occasional harpist.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2023

She later roughed it out with other G.I.s sleeping in frosty dugouts near the front lines where she would sing and play a musical saw.

From Fox News • Dec. 4, 2020

Julian Koster’s musical saw whirled around Mangum as he sang of circling the sun.

From Chicago Tribune • Feb. 7, 2014

Could Mr. Smiley’s musical saw be a genuine Wonder of Sassafras Springs?

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "musical saw" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com