Definition Definition

spruce - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'spruce' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Spruce [ a.]
- Any coniferous tree of the genus Picea, as the Norway spruce (P. excelsa), and the white and black spruces of America (P. alba and P. nigra), besides several others in the far Northwest. See Picea.
- The wood or timber of the spruce tree.
- Prussia leather; pruce.
2 . Spruce [ n.]
- Neat, without elegance or dignity; -- formerly applied to things with a serious meaning; now chiefly applied to persons.
- Sprightly; dashing.
3 . Spruce [ v. i.]
- To dress one's self with affected neatness; as, to spruce up.
4 . Spruce [ v. t.]
- To dress with affected neatness; to trim; to make spruce.

Meaning of 'spruce' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . spruce [ v]
Meaning (1):
- dress and groom with particular care, as for a special occasion
Example in sentence:
  • He spruced up for the party
Meaning (2):
- make neat, smart, or trim
Example in sentence:
  • Spruce up your house for Spring;
  • titivate the child
3 . spruce [ s]
Meaning (3):
- marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
Example in sentence:
  • a dapper young man;
  • a jaunty red hat