Word
pruning
Phoneticsprun·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹunɪŋ/
UK/pɹˈuːnɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of cutting off branches or parts of a plant to help it grow better. You do this to keep trees healthy or to make them a better shape.
n. the selective removal of specific plant parts, such as branches, buds, or roots, to improve health or control growth. Often used metaphorically to describe the reduction of non-essential elements in a system or budget.
Examples
“The roses need some pruning before spring.”
“Regular pruning of the fruit trees ensures that the branches do not become too heavy and break under their own weight.”
“While the gardener focused on the physical pruning of the hedges, the management team began a metaphorical pruning of the company's underperforming departments to streamline operations.”
Examples
simple
“The roses need some pruning before spring.”
contextual
“Regular pruning of the fruit trees ensures that the branches do not become too heavy and break under their own weight.”
complex
“While the gardener focused on the physical pruning of the hedges, the management team began a metaphorical pruning of the company's underperforming departments to streamline operations.”
Usage
Often functions as a gerund noun; frequently paired with 'of' to specify the object being trimmed.
Real-World Examples
“This 56-word sentence could have used some pruning.” “Italians use pruning knifes more competently and more frequently than we do.” Etymology
From prune + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/pruning