branch

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
1
botany : a natural subdivision of a plant stem
especially : a secondary shoot or stem (such as a bough) arising from a main axis (as of a tree)
pruning the tree's lower branches
a swing mounted on a tree branch
2
: something that extends from or enters into a main body or source: such as
a(1)
: a stream that flows into another usually larger stream : tributary
the river's smaller branches
(2)
Southern US and Midland US : creek sense 1
b
: a side road or way
the railroad's branch line
c
: a slender projection (such as the tine of an antler)
the branches of a menorah
d
mathematics : a distinctive part of a mathematical curve (see curve entry 3 sense 1a(2))
e
computers : a part of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision
3
: a part of a complex body: such as
a
: a division of a family descending from a particular ancestor
the Iranian branch of the family
b
: an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas
orthopedics and other branches of medicine
syntax is a branch of linguistics
c(1)
: a division of an organization
a branch of the armed services
the government's legislative and executive branches
(2)
: a separate but dependent part of a central organization
the neighborhood branch of the city library
d
linguistics : a language group less inclusive than a family (see family entry 1 sense 5c)
the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family
branched adjective
branchless adjective
branchy adjective

branch

2 of 2

verb

branched; branching; branches

intransitive verb

1
botany : to put forth secondary shoots or stems : to put forth branches (see branch entry 1 sense 1) : ramify
an elm branching out over the rooftop
2
: to extend in different directions from a main part or point : to spring out (as from a main stem) : diverge
where the spring branches off from the river
3
: to develop or derive from a source : to be an outgrowth
used with from
poetry that branched from religious prose
4
: to extend activities
usually used with out
the business is branching out into formal wear
5
computers : to follow one of two or more parts of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision : to follow one of two or more branches (see branch entry 1 sense 2e)

transitive verb

1
: to ornament with designs of branches (see branch entry 1 sense 1)
branched velvet
2
: to divide up : section

Examples of branch in a Sentence

Noun birds singing from the branches of a tree The bank has a new branch in our area. She works at the branch office downtown. Verb The stream branches from the river near their house. threads branched from the center of the spider web
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Pumpkin smashing: The New Orleans Public Library has partnered with Compost NOW for its annual pumpkin-smashing event at the Rosa Keller branch on South Broad Avenue. Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 The first winery to open along the highway in 1983, Grape Creek Vineyards, has a new branch called Heath Sparkling Wines and a members-only restaurant. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
But its location in pricey Soho aims to branch outside of the Middle Eastern communities in Brooklyn and Queens. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 Pinching mums encourages them to branch more, which gives a fuller appearance and, eventually, more flower heads. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for branch 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French branche, from Late Latin branca paw

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of branch was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near branch

Cite this Entry

“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/branch. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

branch

1 of 2 noun
1
: a natural division of a plant stem (as a bough growing from a trunk or twig from a bough)
2
: something extending from a main line or source
river branch
a railroad branch
3
: a separate or subordinate division or part of a central system
executive branch of the government
a branch of a bank
branched adjective
branchless adjective

branch

2 of 2 verb
1
: to send out branches : spread or separate into branches
a great elm branches over the yard
2
: to spring out from a main body or line : diverge
streets branching off the highway
3
: to extend activities
the business is branching out all over the state

Medical Definition

branch

noun
1
: something that extends from or enters into a main body or source
a branch of an artery
2
: an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas
pathology is a branch of medicine
branch intransitive verb
branched adjective

Legal Definition

branch

noun
: a part of a complex body: as
a
: one of the three main divisions of the U.S. or a state government see also executive, judiciary, legislature
b
: a division of a business or organization
an insurer's branch office
see also branch bank at bank

More from Merriam-Webster on branch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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