How to pronounce chainsaw
Say it like CHAYN-saw. Chainsaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (CHAYN).
- CHAYN
- saw
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Chainsaw pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- CHAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- sawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of chainsaw
American and British speakers say chainsaw in essentially the same way: /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔ/ in the US and /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔː/ in the UK.
British respelling: CHAYN-saw.
What does chainsaw mean?
- A power saw that has a power-driven and fast-revolving chain of metal teeth, usually used to cut trees.“He used a chainsaw to cut through the fallen tree on the roadway.”
- To cut with a chainsaw.
- To make quick and substantial spending cuts.
Where does chainsaw come from?
Compound of chain + saw in reference to the chain-cutting mechanism.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- chain saw
Questions about saying chainsaw
How do you pronounce chainsaw?
Say CHAYN-saw. The American pronunciation is /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔ/. In British English it is /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in chainsaw?
Chainsaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (CHAYN). Broken into parts: CHAYN · saw.
Do Americans and Brits say chainsaw the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔ/ and the British form is /ˈtʃeɪnˌsɔː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.