# pruning

/ˈpɹunɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈuːnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pruning
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a gerund noun; frequently paired with 'of' to specify the object being trimmed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.