# brand

/ˈbɹænd/ (US) · /bɹˈænd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brand
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. commercial identity

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The company spent millions of dollars to build a global brand.
- Effective brand management requires a consistent message across all digital and physical marketing channels to maintain consumer trust.

### 2. specific product type

noun · CEFR A2

a particular kind of product made by one company.

For teachers: a specific product, service, or provider distinguished by a particular name or design.

- Which brand of coffee do you usually buy at the supermarket?
- The consumer study revealed that participants were often unable to distinguish between the premium brand and the generic alternative in blind taste tests.

### 3. type or style

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a distinct variety, style, or manner of a particular quality or activity.

- I really enjoy his unique brand of humor.
- The politician's specific brand of populism resonated with voters who felt neglected by the traditional parties.

### 4. burning wood

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

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

For teachers: a piece of burning wood or a glowing cinder.

- He used a glowing brand from the fire to light his torch.
- The traveler snatched a burning brand from the hearth to illuminate the dark passage ahead.

### 5. to mark with fire

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The farmers used to brand their cattle to show who owned them.
- Historically, the state would brand certain criminals to ensure they could be identified by the public even after their release.

### 6. to label someone

verb · CEFR B2

to describe someone as something bad, usually unfairly.

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

- The media branded him a liar before the trial even started.
- The whistleblower was branded a traitor by his former colleagues, despite his claims of acting in the public interest.

## Examples

- The company spent millions of dollars to build its brand.
- Consumers often choose a familiar brand of coffee even if it costs more than the generic version.
- The marketing team worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the new brand reflected the company's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and ethical sourcing.

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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.
