pruned; pruning
1
a
: to reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter
pruned the text
prune the budget
b
: to remove as superfluous
prune away all ornamentation
2
: to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth
prune the branches
: to cut away what is unwanted or superfluous
pruner
noun
Synonyms
Examples of prune in a Sentence
Verb
She carefully pruned the hedge.
Those trees need to be pruned every year.
The students were asked to prune their essays.
The budget needs to be pruned.
Recent Examples on the Web
Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
Flavors: Raspberry, Bavarian cream, blueberry lemon, strawberry guava, prune
Grebe’s Bakery
5132 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, (414) 543-7000
Orders may be placed in person, online or by phone.
—Journal Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prune 
Noun
These include coffee, flaxseed, kiwis, prunes, or prune juice.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
Flavors: Raspberry, Bavarian cream, blueberry lemon, strawberry guava, prune
Grebe’s Bakery
5132 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, (414) 543-7000
Orders may be placed in person, online or by phone.
—Journal Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prune
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prune.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prune
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prune. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prune
1 of 2 noun
: a dried plum
prune
2 of 2 verb
pruned; pruning
1
a
: to reduce by getting rid of matter that is not necessary or wanted
prune an essay
prune a budget
b
: to remove as unnecessary
2
: to cut off the parts of a woody plant that are dead or not wanted
prune the hedge
pruner
noun
Medical Definition
prune
noun
: a plum dried or capable of drying without fermentation and often used as a food and as a mild laxative
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