ENGLISH
REFERENCE

saw

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈsɔ// UK //sˈɔː// saw Archaic Dialect Informal Slang

n. a hand tool with a sharp, metal blade used for cutting wood or other hard materials. It has a row of sharp teeth along one edge that bite into the material as you move it back and forth.

n. a hand tool consisting of a thin, serrated metal blade used for parting wood, metal, or other solid substances. The blade is typically set into a handle or frame and functions through a reciprocating or circular motion.


SIMPLE

He uses a hand saw to cut the wooden boards for the shelf.

CONTEXTUAL

The carpenter sharpened the teeth of his saw before starting work on the custom oak cabinet.

COMPLEX

While modern workshops often rely on powered circular blades, the traditional hand saw remains an essential tool for fine adjustments and delicate joinery where precision is paramount.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Arabic

Etymology 2

Abbreviation.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'use', 'sharpen', or 'handle'.

Idioms2 entries

© 2026 English Reference