birch

noun

\ ˈbərch

Definition of birch

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of a genus (Betula of the family Betulaceae, the birch family) of monoecious deciduous trees or shrubs having simple petioled leaves and typically a layered membranous outer bark that peels readily

2 : the hard pale close-grained wood of a birch

3 : a birch rod or bundle of twigs for flogging

birch

verb

birched; birching; birches

Definition of birch (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to beat with or as if with a birch : whip

Other Words from birch Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About birch

Examples of birch in a Sentence

Noun a cabinet made of birch In those days, schoolchildren got the birch when they misbehaved. Verb students at the private school were once routinely birched for violating the rules always a stern disciplinarian, our father birched anyone who talked back

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The rooftop Observatory level showcases individual dining and relaxation areas shaded by birch trees framing views of Manhattan, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021 In the Klamath Basin, the region of Oregon with large birch borer issues, it is specifically recommended that firewood not be transported for fear of spreading the pest. — oregonlive, 5 Dec. 2021 Target With a Scandi-chic solid birch lid and compartments made from the same glossy plastic that’s used to make Legos, this cheerful storage box will certainly brighten up the desk-scape of anyone on your list. — Chichi Offor, refinery29.com, 4 Dec. 2021 The 19-year-old Syrian's final resting place among the birch trees was thousands of miles from his homeland. — Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2021 This week, a crew from Greatland Tree Service pruned tall birch trees next to Denis Mayberry’s East Anchorage home. — Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Oct. 2021 Witnesses said their quiet neighborhood of wooden houses and birch trees was turned into a scene of terrifying cries and turmoil. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2021 Birds most often carry seed to a birch tree, branches of which are 15 feet away. — Jim Williams, Star Tribune, 22 June 2021 Across the Falls Road, Robert Simmons is buried beneath a birch tree close to the top of Belfast City Cemetery, where the ground slopes up toward the Black Mountain that overlooks the city. — NBC News, 8 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Find yellow aspen and birch along the shoreline and red maples inland. — Kerri Westenberg, Star Tribune, 11 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'birch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.