# spruce

/ˈspɹus/ (US) · /spɹˈuːs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spruce
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a type of evergreen tree with short, sharp needles and cones. These trees stay green all year and are often used as Christmas trees.

For teachers: any coniferous evergreen tree of the genus Picea, characterized by whorled branches and needle-like foliage. The wood is typically soft and light, frequently utilized in paper production and musical instrument making.

## Examples

- The tall spruce stands in the middle of the garden.
- The forest was thick with pine and spruce, creating a dense canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight.
- Luthiers often prefer the wood of the Sitka spruce for guitar tops due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent acoustic properties.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the wood as a material; countable when referring to the individual tree species.

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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.