First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1saw
2saw
noun \ˈsȯ\
Definition of SAW
: a hand or power tool or a machine used to cut hard material (as wood, metal, or bone) and equipped usually with a toothed blade or disk
— saw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
Origin of SAW
Middle English sawe, from Old English sagu; akin to Old High German sega saw, Latin secare to cut
3saw
verb
: to cut or shape (wood, metal, etc.) with a saw
sawed \ˈsȯd\ sawed or sawn \ˈsȯn\ saw·ing \ˈsȯ(-)iŋ\
Full Definition of SAW
transitive verb
1
: to cut with a saw
2
: to produce or form by cutting with a saw
3
: to slash as though with a saw
intransitive verb
1
a : to use a saw b : to cut with or as if with a saw
2
: to undergo cutting with a saw
3
: to make motions as though using a saw <sawed at the reins>
— saw·er \ˈsȯ(-ə)r\ noun
See saw defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SAW
13th century
4saw
noun
Definition of SAW
Origin of SAW
Middle English sawe, from Old English sagu discourse; akin to Old High German & Old Norse saga tale, Old English secgan to say — more at say
First Known Use: before 12th century
SAW[1] Defined for Kids
1saw
Definition of SAW for Kids
past of see
2saw
noun \ˈsȯ\
Definition of SAW for Kids
: a tool or machine with a blade having sharp teeth that is used for cutting hard material (as wood or metal)
3saw
verb
sawedsawed or sawn \ˈsȯn\saw·ing
Definition of SAW for Kids
: to cut or shape with a saw
4saw
noun
Definition of SAW for Kids
: a common saying : proverb
Learn More About SAW
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