noun
branch
brahnch
noun
1
A woody offshoot growing from the trunk or a larger limb of a tree.
"A low branch scraped the roof of the car as we drove down the lane."
"The bird built its nest in a branch near the top of the oak."
2
One of several local offices or outlets belonging to a larger organisation.
"She opened an account at the branch nearest her office."
"The bank closed its smaller branches and moved services online."
3
A distinct part or subdivision of a subject, family, or system.
"Genetics is a branch of biology."
"He comes from the Scottish branch of the family."
verb
1
To split into two or more parts, or to grow outward like a tree limb.
"The road branches off just past the church."
"The company branched out into online sales last year."
How to Use Branch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA part that grows or splits off from a main thing — a tree limb, a local office, or a subdivision of a subject.
Common pairings
branch off
branch out
local branch
branch of the family
Word Forms
branched past tense, branches plural, branches singular
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Etymology
From Old French branche, from Late Latin branca ("paw, claw") — the word originally pictured a tree limb reaching out like a claw.