Spruce
/spruːs/noun
A type of evergreen tree in the genus Picea, or something neat and stylish in appearance.
Did you know?The adjective *spruce* likely came from “Spruce” meaning Prussia, because English speakers associated fashionable goods with the Baltic trade route, and the tree name later developed by association with imported timber.
Etymological Timeline
14th Century
Middle English
Spruce
“A term meaning from Prussia; later associated with imported goods and stylishness.”
15th Century
English
Spruce
“Neat, trim, or smart in dress and appearance.”
16th Century
English
Spruce tree
“A name applied to the evergreen tree, likely from association with Prussia or Prussian timber.”
Modern English
English
Spruce
“A coniferous tree, or neat and stylish in appearance.”