Dictionary
1spruce
verb \ˈsprüs\
sprucedspruc·ing
Definition of SPRUCE
transitive verb
: to make spruce —often used with up
intransitive verb
: to make oneself spruce <spruce up a bit>
See spruce defined for English-language learners
See spruce defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SPRUCE
1594
2spruce
adjective
: neat, clean, or stylish in appearance
spruc·erspruc·est
Full Definition of SPRUCE
See spruce defined for English-language learners
Origin of SPRUCE
perhaps from obsolete English Spruce leather leather imported from Prussia
First Known Use: 1599
3spruce
noun
: a type of tree that has long, thin needles instead of leaves and that stays green throughout the year
: the wood of a spruce tree
plural spruc·es also spruce
Full Definition of SPRUCE
1
a : any of a genus (Picea) of evergreen trees of the pine family with a conical head of dense foliage, flat or 4-sided needles, pendulous cones, and soft light wood b : any of several coniferous trees (as Douglas fir) of similar habit
2
: the wood of a spruce
See spruce defined for English-language learners
Origin of SPRUCE
obsolete Spruce Prussia, from Middle English, alteration of Pruce, from Anglo-French
First Known Use: 1670
SPRUCE Defined for Kids
1spruce
noun \ˈsprüs\
Definition of SPRUCE for Kids
: an evergreen tree that has short needles for leaves, drooping cones, and light soft wood
2spruce
verb
sprucedspruc·ing
Definition of SPRUCE for Kids
: to make (someone or something) neat or stylish in appearance <Fresh paint spruced up the room.> <Let me spruce up before we go.>
3spruce
adjective
spruc·erspruc·est
Definition of SPRUCE for Kids
: neat or stylish in appearance
— spruce·ly adverb
Learn More About SPRUCE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spruce aphidPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sproutlingAll Words Near: spruce
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spruce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).