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DictionarypruneTrimming
verb

prune

PROON/prˈun/

To remove unwanted parts to improve something.

The gardener uses shears to prune a dead branch from the shrub.

A gardener uses pruning shears to cut a dead side branch from a living shrub, with a few freshly removed twigs beneath it.
Etymology
pruneOld Frenchto cut back vines

Old French proignier meant cutting back vines, so the selected meaning preserves its practical gardening sense. The word’s deeper origin is unknown, but its connection with removing unwanted growth is secure.

In context

ModernMustardSeeds5:49
feel free to prune your tomato branches prune them back give it more air
Harlequins, the bane of my garden pt. 1

More examples

  • We prune the roses each spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • She pruned several repetitive paragraphs from her report.
  • Pruning unnecessary steps makes the application process easier.

Forms

prune · prunes · pruned · pruning

pruner noun — A person or tool that trims plants.

Similar words

trim
Often means making something neater by cutting its edges.
pare
Usually means reducing something gradually or cutting away outer layers.