What does secateur mean?
A secateur is a strong pair of scissors-shaped shears used for pruning trees and shrubs, especially for cutting twigs and relatively thick woody branches. Gardeners commonly call the tool “secateurs,” even when referring to a single pair, because “a pair of secateurs” is the conventional expression. The word is most strongly associated with British English, although it is also used elsewhere and is readily understood. Secateurs differ from ordinary scissors in having blades and handles designed for sustained, controlled pressure against plant material. Their exact form varies: some resemble conventional scissors, while others have curved handles that keep the blades more upright. The term is useful when precision matters, since pruning shears are intended to make relatively clean cuts in living woody growth rather than cut paper, fabric, or general household materials.
nounA pair of pruning shears used for cutting branches, twigs, and woody growth from trees and shrubs.
- A pair of pruning shears used for cutting branches, twigs, and other woody growth.
"She used a sharp pair of secateurs to trim the overgrown hedge."
"He trimmed the rose bush with a well-maintained pair of secateurs."
"The gardener kept a bucket beside the tree while cutting with secateurs."
The plural is standard and usual when referring to a complete pair of pruning shears.
"She bought new secateurs for the allotment."
Although “secateur” is singular in form, gardeners usually speak of using “a pair of secateurs.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secateur come from?
The word comes through French from Latin secare, “to cut.” Its English form appeared in the 19th century in the context of gardening and pruning. Related English words such as section, sector, and secant also trace their origins to the same Latin root, although their modern meanings developed along separate paths.
How secateur is actually used
The word is most common in British English but is also understood in other varieties of English. Although the singular form “secateur” occurs, “secateurs” is the usual form when referring to the complete tool or a pair of shears.
Easily confused with secateur
Scissors are general-purpose cutting tools, whereas secateurs are heavier-duty shears designed for pruning woody plant growth.