Meaning & Definition of word "Branch"

Branch

/bræntʃ/

noun:

  • 1. A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or a main stem.
    • Example: The children climbed up the sturdy branch to get a better view.
  • 2. A division or subdivision of a larger organization, such as a business or a government.
    • Example: She works at the local branch of a national bank.
  • 3. A part of a larger system or network that diverges away from the main part.
    • Example: The river has several branches as it flows towards the ocean.
  • 4. A line of descent or a family line in genealogy.
    • Example: He traced his family tree back to a branch that settled in America in the 1800s.

verb:

  • 1. To divide into branches or to spread out from a main point.
    • Example: The road branches off to the left toward the park.
  • 2. To develop or extend in a way similar to the way that branches extend from a tree.
    • Example: The project will branch out into new areas of research next year.

Etymology

Middle English branche, from Old French branche, from Vulgar Latin *branca.

Common Phrases and Expressions

branch out:

To expand one's interests or activities.

dead branch:

A branch that is no longer living.

branch of knowledge:

A specific field of study.

Related Words

twig:

A small branch or division of a branch.

bough:

A large branch of a tree.

foliage:

The leaves of a plant.

Slang Meanings of branch

Meaning: To branch out

Example Sentence: He's looking to branch out into new industries.

Meaning: Branch manager

Example Sentence: She is the branch manager at the local bank.