branch

A woody part that grows out from the main stem of a tree.

• A bird sat on a branch.
• The wind broke several branches last night.
• Can you reach the apples on that branch?

Similar words: limb, bough

Common phrases: tree branch, broken branch, low branch

One of several shops owned by the same company.

• This branch closes at six.
• The company opened three new branches last year.
• Our local branch has a larger range of shoes.

How to use it: branch of something (A branch of the clothing chain opened nearby.)

Similar words: store, outlet

Common phrases: local branch, new branch, branch of something

A local office or center belonging to an organization that operates in several places.

• Visit your nearest bank branch.
• The charity opened a branch in our town.
• Members from several branches attended the meeting.

How to use it: branch of something (She works at a branch of the city library.)

Similar words: local office

Common phrases: bank branch, local branch, branch of something

A part of something that separates from a larger whole, like a smaller road or family group.

• We followed the eastern branch of the river.
• Two branches of the family met at the wedding.
• The railway has a branch leading to the port.

How to use it: branch of something (This branch of the family lives in Canada.)

Similar words: division, offshoot

Common phrases: branch of something, river branch, family branch

A particular area of knowledge, research, or business within a larger field.

• This branch of medicine studies the heart.
• She works in a growing branch of technology.
• Several branches of mathematics deal with shapes.

How to use it: branch of something (Genetics is a branch of biology.)

Similar words: field, discipline

Common phrases: branch of science, branch of medicine, branch of business