hacksaw

noun

hack·​saw ˈhak-ˌsȯ 

: a fine-tooth saw with a blade under tension in a frame that is used for cutting hard materials (such as metal)

hacksaw verb

Illustration of hacksaw

Examples of hacksaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost all of them are unmanned, and cutting a cord can be as simple as severing it from the station with a hacksaw. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024

The missing-person investigation led law enforcement to a waste facility about an hour away from their home in Swampscott, where investigators reportedly found trash bags with blood, a hatchet and a hacksaw, sources told WBZ-TV. —Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2023

Cut Pipes Use a hacksaw to cut two 10-foot lengths of PVC pipe into two 7-foot and two 3-foot sections. —Hannah Bruneman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

Investing in a reliable hacksaw doesn't have to break the bank. —Brittany Vincent, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hacksaw

noun

hack·​saw ˈhak-ˌsȯ 

: a saw used for cutting hard materials (as metal) that consists of a frame holding a blade with small teeth

hacksaw verb