Branching

/ˈbræntʃɪŋ/

verbIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To divide or spread out like branches of a tree.

/ˈbræntʃɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To divide or spread out into branches.

The road branches off to the left.

💡 Simply: To split into parts.

More Examples

2

The company is branching out into new markets.

How It's Used

Computer Science

"The program is branching to a different subroutine."

Biology

"The river branches into several smaller streams."

2

Having many branches or subdivisions.

/ˈbræntʃɪŋ/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Having branches; characterized by branching.

A branching narrative keeps the reader engaged.

💡 Simply: Having branches.

How It's Used

Botany

"The plant has a branching stem."

Tip:Imagine a tree with many branches.

Idioms & expressions

branch out

To start to do something different from what you usually do, especially to expand your business.

"She decided to branch out and start her own company."

From Middle English *branching*, from Old French *brancher* (to climb), from *branche* (branch). The sense of splitting or dividing developed later.

Historically, 'branching' was primarily used in the literal sense of trees and rivers. The metaphorical usage became more common in the 20th century.

Memory tip

Think of a tree's branches spreading out.

brancingbranchin

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written