English Reference
noun · verb

brand

n. · v.
US /ˈbɹænd/ UK /bɹˈænd/ brand UK spelling brands

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the name, logo, and reputation of a company or its products.

    n.the symbolic identity, including name and logo, that distinguishes a product or service in the marketplace.

    Simple

    The company spent millions of dollars to build a global brand.

    In context

    Effective brand management requires a consistent message across all digital and physical marketing channels to maintain consumer trust.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a particular kind of product made by one company.

    n.a specific product, service, or provider distinguished by a particular name or design.

    Simple

    Which brand of coffee do you usually buy at the supermarket?

    In context

    The consumer study revealed that participants were often unable to distinguish between the premium brand and the generic alternative in blind taste tests.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a particular type or style of something, like a person's behavior.

    n.a distinct variety, style, or manner of a particular quality or activity.

    Simple

    I really enjoy his unique brand of humor.

    In context

    The politician's specific brand of populism resonated with voters who felt neglected by the traditional parties.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic

    n.a piece of wood that is burning or has been burned.

    n.a piece of burning wood or a glowing cinder.

    Simple

    He used a glowing brand from the fire to light his torch.

    In context

    The traveler snatched a burning brand from the hearth to illuminate the dark passage ahead.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to burn a mark onto the skin of an animal or person.

    v.to mark indelibly by burning with a hot iron, typically for identification or as a stigma.

    Simple

    The farmers used to brand their cattle to show who owned them.

    In context

    Historically, the state would brand certain criminals to ensure they could be identified by the public even after their release.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to describe someone as something bad, usually unfairly.

    v.to characterize or label someone, typically in a way that is damaging to their reputation.

    Simple

    The media branded him a liar before the trial even started.

    In context

    The whistleblower was branded a traitor by his former colleagues, despite his claims of acting in the public interest.

    stigmatizelabelcharacterize

Usage brand new


As an English, Scottish, north German, Dutch, French, and North Germanic surname, from a Germanic personal name derived from Proto-Germanic brandaz (“sword, firebrand, torch”), as in the second element of Hildebrand. * Also as a German surname, variant of Brandt. * As a Swedish and Danish surname, from brand (“fire”). * As a Jewish surname, from German Brand (“fire”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin da -
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated