Jigsaw
/ˈdʒɪɡsɔː/
nounB1
Definition
A jigsaw is mainly known as a type of puzzle where many small pieces fit together to make a complete image. Each piece has a unique shape, and you must find the right places for them. The word can also mean a power tool with a blade that moves up and down to cut shapes, often curves, in wood or other materials.
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See It in Action
A puzzle made of many small pieces to form a picture
- •We spent the afternoon putting together a 500-piece jigsaw.
- •The jigsaw puzzle was difficult because many pieces looked similar.
- •Children often enjoy jigsaw puzzles to improve their thinking skills.
A power tool used for cutting curves and shapes in wood or other materials
- •The carpenter used a jigsaw to cut the wood into a circle.
- •Be careful when using the jigsaw; the blade moves very fast.
- •A jigsaw is useful for making detailed cuts that a normal saw cannot do.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "jigsaw" like "puzzle" (A1 word), but the pieces have special shapes that lock together tightly.
- ✓Picture a table covered with many small, colorful pieces that you try to connect to see a picture form.
- ✓It's the feeling of patience and satisfaction when you find the right piece and it fits perfectly.
- ✓Sounds like "JIG-saw" → imagine a small "jig" (a quick movement or dance) saw cutting a zigzag line.
- ✓Remember childhood games where you put together pictures piece by piece, or a carpenter carefully cutting wood with a small saw.
- ✓NOT like "puzzle" alone (which can be any problem or game) — a jigsaw puzzle is a specific type with interlocking pieces.
- ✓NOT like "saw" (a tool with a simple straight blade) — a jigsaw tool can cut curves and complex shapes.
- ✓NOT like "jig" (a dance or quick movement) — here, "jigsaw" combines the idea of cutting and fitting pieces.
Try Other Words
- •Puzzle: a game or problem to solve (Use when talking about games or problems generally)
- •Scroll saw: a tool similar to a jigsaw used for detailed cutting (Use when referring specifically to tools for fine wood cutting)
- •Cutting tool: any tool used to cut materials (Use when the exact tool is not important)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "jig" + "saw" — "jig" suggests a quick, small movement; "saw" is a tool for cutting
- •Etymology: English origin; "jig" refers to a quick motion or dance, combined with "saw" as a cutting tool
- •Historical development: Originally used for the saw that cuts curves with a quick motion; later also used for the puzzle because pieces fit together like a cut shape
- •Modern usage: Commonly refers to the puzzle game or the power tool, both involving fitting or cutting shapes
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when you complete a jigsaw puzzle? Does it teach patience or problem-solving?
•Can the idea of a jigsaw apply to other areas of life, like fitting different parts or ideas together?
Fill in the blanks
1.When working on a jigsaw, you need to find pieces that ___ together perfectly to form the picture.
2.A jigsaw puzzle often requires ___ and careful observation to complete.
3.Unlike a crossword or word puzzle, a jigsaw is a ___ puzzle made of physical pieces.
4.The carpenter used a jigsaw to cut a ___ line in the wooden board.
5.You should hold the jigsaw tool ___ and move it slowly to cut curves safely.
6.People enjoy jigsaw puzzles because they give a sense of ___ when finished.
7.The difference between a jigsaw and a regular saw is that a jigsaw can cut ___ shapes and curves.