chain saw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral (common in technical, DIY, forestry contexts)
Quick answer
What does “chain saw” mean?
A portable power tool with a rotating chain of sharp teeth, used for cutting wood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable power tool with a rotating chain of sharp teeth, used for cutting wood.
A tool for felling trees and cutting timber; metaphorically, something that operates by brutal, rapid, or destructive cutting action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling variation: 'chainsaw' (solid) is more common in US English; 'chain saw' (two words) is more common in UK English, but both forms are used in both regions. Hyphenated form 'chain-saw' is also found but less frequent.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects - tool for cutting wood, with potential figurative associations of violence or crude force.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects, though UK speakers might use 'chainsaw' less frequently in everyday conversation outside of specific contexts (e.g., DIY, forestry).
Grammar
How to Use “chain saw” in a Sentence
use [a] chain saw [to cut something]cut [something] [with a] chain sawVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chain saw” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had to chain-saw the fallen tree into manageable logs.
- The film features a murderer who chain-saws his victims.
American English
- He had to chainsaw the fallen tree into manageable logs.
- The film features a murderer who chainsaws his victims.
adverb
British English
- This is rarely used adverbially. No standard examples.
American English
- This is rarely used adverbially. No standard examples.
adjective
British English
- The chain-saw noise was deafening.
- They watched a chain-saw demonstration at the garden centre.
American English
- The chainsaw noise was deafening.
- They watched a chainsaw demonstration at the garden center.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to machinery in forestry or construction industries.
Academic
Used in environmental science or engineering contexts discussing tools or deforestation.
Everyday
Common in DIY/home improvement contexts or discussions about gardening/woodcutting.
Technical
Specific tool with mechanical specifications (engine size, bar length, safety features).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chain saw”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chain saw”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chain saw”
- Incorrect compound: 'chainsaw' (one word) vs. 'chain saw' (two words) - both acceptable but UK prefers two words. Confusing 'chain saw' with 'circular saw' or 'jigsaw'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A chain saw has a rotating chain with teeth, used primarily for cutting wood (especially trees/logs). A circular saw has a flat, spinning disc blade and is often used for cutting boards, plywood, or other sheet materials on a workbench.
Both forms are correct. 'Chainsaw' as one word is more common in American English, while 'chain saw' as two words is more common in British English. The hyphenated form 'chain-saw' is also seen but is less frequent.
Yes, though it's less common. It means to cut something with a chain saw, e.g., 'They had to chainsaw the old tree stump.' This usage is more frequent in informal or journalistic contexts.
Essential safety gear includes protective goggles or a face shield, hearing protection (ear defenders), heavy-duty gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps or trousers made of cut-resistant material.
A portable power tool with a rotating chain of sharp teeth, used for cutting wood.
Chain saw is usually neutral (common in technical, diy, forestry contexts) in register.
Chain saw: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeɪn sɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeɪn sɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a chain saw through butter”
- “chain-saw approach”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHAIN + SAW = A saw with a CHAIN of teeth that goes round and round.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHAOS/VIOLENCE IS A CHAIN SAW; EFFICIENCY IS A CHAIN SAW.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common connotation when 'chain saw' is used metaphorically?