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Definition of secateurs

secateurs

/ˌsɛk.əˈtɜːrz/
sec · a · teurs
Plural:secateurs
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secateurs Lexical Profile

secateurs Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A pair of pruning clippers for use with one hand, featuring strong, short blades used for cutting small branches or stems.

Example

"She used a sharp pair of secateurs to deadhead the roses and trim back the overgrown vines."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for secateurs

Word Nuance & Usage

The word is a plurale tantum (always in plural form) and requires the phrase 'a pair of' when counting. It is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English, whereas American English strongly favors 'pruners' or 'pruning shears'.

• Rhymes for secateurs

• Nearby Words

sebou
sebum
sec
secateurs
secede
secession
secessionist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-19th century from French 'sécateur' (with the plural '-s' added), which was coined from the Latin root 'secare' meaning 'to cut'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Secateurs. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/secateurs
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