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Definition of hacksaw

hacksaw

/ˈhæk.sɔː/
hack · saw
Plural:hacksaws
•
Past Simple:hacksawed
•
Past Participle:hacksawed
•
Present Participle:hacksawing
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hacksaw Lexical Profile

hacksaw Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A fine-toothed hand tool with a blade held under tension in a C-shaped frame, primarily used for cutting through hard materials such as metal, plastic, or bone.

Example

"The plumber used a hacksaw to cleanly cut the copper pipe to the correct length."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hacksaw

• verb

1

To cut or sever something using a fine-toothed hand saw.

Example

"The thieves successfully hacksawed through the heavy padlock and entered the warehouse."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hacksaw
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hacksaw

• Rhymes for hacksaw

• Nearby Words

hacking
hackles
hackneyed
hacksaw
hacktivism
hacktivist
hacky

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the mid-19th century as a compound of 'hack' and 'saw', referring to a saw strong enough to 'hack' through tough materials like metal and bone.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hacksaw. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hacksaw
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