To prune means to cut away extra parts of a plant, tree, or bush so it can grow better. It can also mean to remove something unnecessary from a larger whole.
People most often use the word when talking about gardening or farming. For example, someone may prune a rose bush, a tree, or grape vines to help them stay healthy, shape them neatly, or encourage new growth. In a wider sense, people also use it for things like pruning a list, a budget, or even a story by removing what is not needed.
Meaning & Usage
In everyday English, prune usually means to trim or cut back carefully. In gardening, it helps plants grow stronger and look better. In general use, it means to remove extra or unwanted parts.
Examples
“We need to prune the apple tree in spring.”
“The editor pruned the article to make it shorter.”
“She pruned the dead branches from the bush.”
Is prune only used for plants?
No. It is often used for plants, but it can also mean removing unnecessary parts from writing, plans, or lists.
What is the purpose of pruning?
Pruning helps plants grow better, stay healthy, and keep a neat shape.
Is prune the same as cut?
Not exactly. Prune means to cut in a careful and purposeful way, usually to improve something.
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