prune
nounA dried, wrinkled dark fruit that comes from a plum.
verbTo cut off branches from a tree or bush to help it grow better.
verbTo remove things that are not needed to make something shorter or simpler.
verbTo become wrinkled at the fingers or toes when they stay wet for a long time.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: PR Blend
P and R blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'print' and 'price'.
The blend PR combines /p/ and /r/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with U — /uː/ (Magic E)
Same u-consonant-e Magic E pattern, but after L, R, S, or J the U says 'oo' instead of 'yoo' — like 'rule' and 'rude'.
Same u-consonant-e spelling, but when the U follows L, R, S, or J, the Y-glide drops and the sound is pure /uː/. Companion to silent_e_u_e.
Tip
After L, R, S, J — magic E makes U say oo!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter N
The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.
Tip
N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with U — /uː/ (Magic E)
Same u-consonant-e Magic E pattern, but after L, R, S, or J the U says 'oo' instead of 'yoo' — like 'rule' and 'rude'.
Same u-consonant-e spelling, but when the U follows L, R, S, or J, the Y-glide drops and the sound is pure /uː/. Companion to silent_e_u_e.
Tip
After L, R, S, J — magic E makes U say oo!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.