jigsaw

[ jig-saw ]

noun

1. Also jig saw. an electric machine saw with a narrow blade mounted vertically in a frame, for cutting curves or other difficult lines or patterns.

verb (used with object)

, jig·sawed, jig·sawed or jig·sawn, jig·saw·ing.

1. to cut or form with a jigsaw.

adjective

1. formed by or as if by a jigsaw:

   jigsaw ornamentation.

jigsaw

/ ˈdʒɪɡˌsɔː /

noun

1. a mechanical saw with a fine steel blade for cutting intricate curves in sheets of material
2. See jigsaw puzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of jigsaw¹

First recorded in 1870–75; jig ² + saw ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jigsaw¹

C19: from jig (to jerk up and down rapidly) + saw ¹

Example Sentences

In 1928 Lady Haig decided the Edinburgh factory should expand into hand-crafted goods, including stuffed toys and jigsaw puzzles.

From BBC

Officers emphasised the investigation is "complex and sensitive" and their "absolute priority is to maintain the integrity of our investigation and support and retain the confidence of potential victims. We must also be sure there is no risk of jigsaw identification".

From BBC

The OSA is just one part of a global jigsaw puzzle of laws and legal action.

From BBC

"We're a jigsaw and there will always be a part missing. It will never be complete."

From BBC

"Tuchel know how to get the best out of Kane. It's about getting the jigsaw pieces around Harry and make sure he gets the pieces right to get the best out of him. He'll be delighted with the appointment."

From BBC

Related Words

• break
• crack
• damage
• divide
• grab
• injure
• mangle
• pull
• rive
• rupture
• separate
• sever
• shred
• slash
• snatch
• split
• wrench
• yank