Branch: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk. It can be used in botanical or casual contexts.

• The bird built its nest on a high branch.
• He chopped off the lower branches of the tree.

A large or main branch of a tree. It can also refer to a human or animal's arm or leg, but in this context, it's for trees. It's often used to describe branches that are significant in size.

• A strong storm broke the limb of the old tree.
• He climbed to the highest limb he could reach.

Refers to a larger, main branch of a tree, typically used in more formal or literary contexts.

• The swing hung from the sturdy bough of the oak tree.
• Snow weighed down the boughs of the pine tree.

Refers to a very small, thin branch or shoot of a tree or bush, perfect for describing finer or more delicate parts.

• She picked up a twig from the ground.
• The child used twigs to start the campfire.

Used to refer to a local office or a subdivision of a larger organization or structure. Often related to businesses or government services with multiple locations.

• I need to visit the bank branch to discuss my loan application
• | The company opened a new branch in the downtown area

Indicates a larger unit within an organization that encompasses multiple departments or functions. Often used in corporations, military, or large institutions.

• The company’s technology division is expanding
• | He is the head of the sales division

Typically used for smaller parts within a department, publication, or document. It can also refer to a specific area within a place or event.

• The library has a section for children's books
• | Please refer to Section 3 of the report for the results

Refers to a specialized section within a larger organization, typically in businesses, universities, or government. Commonly used to denote a specific area of responsibility.

• She works in the marketing department
• | The university has a department for each subject area

Used to refer to parts of a tree or to divisions within an organization or system.

• The tree has many strong branches.
• She works at the downtown branch of the library.

Used when talking about things that move or extend in different directions from a common point, often used in a more abstract sense.

• The two roads diverge here; you can go either left or right.
• Their opinions tend to diverge on that subject.

Used when talking about something that covers a wide area or moves over a surface, often implying movement or expansion.

• The fire spread quickly through the forest.
• She spread butter on the toast.

Used when something is stretched out or made longer in either a physical or temporal sense.

• We need to extend the deadline by a week.
• The bridge extends across the river.