sawdust

American

[saw-duhst] / ˈsɔˌdʌst /

noun

small particles of wood produced in sawing.

sawdust British

/ ˈsɔːˌdʌst /

noun

particles of wood formed by sawing

"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 sawdust

First recorded in 1520–30; saw ¹ + dust

Vocabulary lists containing sawdust

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 7

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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.

Abandoning Ukrainians over the specks of sawdust in their eyes would be hypocritical and counter to our interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

The decking company built its business on composite boards made from sawdust and recycled plastic shopping bags, which it pitches as more durable than pressure-treated lumber.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

A farmer in southwestern Hokkaido named Noboru Ohtaka came up with the idea for a so-called “ion bath” after stepping on a sawdust enzyme fertilizer he’d developed and noticing it felt pleasant.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

A genetic mutation is like accidentally replacing one ingredient with something completely different -- for example, using sawdust instead of flour.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2024

The other cowered in a corner, trying to hide under the sawdust.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

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