# branch

/ˈbɹæntʃ/ (US) · /bɹˈɑːntʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/branch
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. part of a tree

noun · CEFR A2

an arm-like part of a tree that grows out from the main trunk.

For teachers: a woody structural member of a tree arising from the trunk and typically supporting leaves or fruit.

- The cat climbed high up onto a thick branch and refused to come down.
- Heavy snow weighed down the branches of the pine trees until several snapped under the immense pressure.

### 2. local office

noun · CEFR B1

a local office or shop that belongs to a larger company or organization.

For teachers: a local office or subdivision of a larger organization, such as a bank, library, or government agency.

- I need to go to the local branch of the bank to sign some papers.
- The corporation decided to close its suburban branches to consolidate operations at the central downtown headquarters.

### 3. area of knowledge

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a specific area of study or a part of a large subject.

For teachers: a specialized field or subdivision of a larger area of knowledge, science, or business.

- Botany is a branch of biology that focuses specifically on plants.
- Quantum mechanics is a complex branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter at the atomic level.

### 4. computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a separate version of a computer program or a set of code.

For teachers: a version of a project in a version control system that deviates from the main line of development.

- The developer created a new branch to test the new features without breaking the main app.
- After the bug was fixed in the experimental branch, the team merged the code back into the master repository.

### 5. to divide

verb · CEFR B1

to split into two or more different directions.

For teachers: to divide or separate into subdivisions or different paths.

- The hiking trail branches into two paths near the waterfall.
- The river branches into several smaller streams as it approaches the delta, creating a network of wetlands.

### 6. to branch out

verb · CEFR B2

to start doing something new or different from your usual work.

For teachers: to expand one's interests or activities into a new or different area.

- The restaurant started as a café but is now branching out into catering.
- After years of writing historical fiction, the author decided to branch out into science fiction for her next series.

Usage: usually used with the particle 'out'

## Examples

- The bird sat on a high branch of the oak tree.
- I need to visit the local branch of my bank to sign some official documents.
- While the main office handles international strategy, each regional branch retains the autonomy to adapt marketing campaigns to local cultural expectations and consumer habits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.