pruning shears

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. small, sturdy shears used for pruning shrubbery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pruning shears¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Citizen scientists are the eyes, ears and pruning shears of TACF.

From Salon

He bolts a wildlife camera about a foot up the trunk, secures it with a lock and cable, then uses pruning shears to cut down any brush that might obscure the camera’s view.

From Seattle Times

During those searches, two blue crowbars, pruning shears and a cutting tool were found in a nearby pond and in the Paar River, the statement said.

From New York Times

“Everything is fraught with uncertainty right now,” she said as she snipped away with a pair of pruning shears.

From Los Angeles Times

A few times, I donned gardening gloves and carried pruning shears outside to deadhead stems and prove to the neighbors that I was a real gardener, but the bees wouldn’t stand for it.

From Washington Post