sawdust

noun

saw·​dust ˈsȯ-(ˌ)dəst How to pronounce sawdust (audio)
: fine particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

Examples of sawdust in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Stray wood debris or shavings: Carpenter ants can tunnel through wood to make their nests, leaving behind sawdust or wood shavings. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 The separation, plus an absorbent additive like sawdust or peat moss, dries the solids and prevents odor. New Atlas, 7 Mar. 2025 Dusky aromas of sawdust and black pepper, red currants and brownies. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 As Gemma placed the eggs in sawdust near the hen's perch, the soon-to-be mother hen rushed over, and attempted to sit on them even before Gemma was finished putting them all in. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sawdust

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sawdust was circa 1528

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Cite this Entry

“Sawdust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sawdust. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sawdust

noun
saw·​dust ˈsȯd-(ˌ)əst How to pronounce sawdust (audio)
: tiny particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

More from Merriam-Webster on sawdust

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