Prune

usgb/pruːn/
verb

To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.

She pruned the rose bush to encourage it to grow.
Visual representation of "prune" - To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.

Often appears as...

  • prune back
  • prune off
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "prune"
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Gardening Context

Prune is often used when talking about gardening to ensure better plant health or shape.

Illustration for Gardening Context
Could you prune the bushes next to the driveway?
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Improvement Outcome

Use 'prune' to imply that the action will improve something, not just remove parts.

Illustration for Improvement Outcome
Pruning this tree will help it bear more fruit next season.
Visual representation of the word "Prune"

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