birch

noun \ ˈbərch \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of birch

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

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birch

or birchen play \ˈbər-chən\ adjective

See birch defined for English-language learners

See birch defined for kids

Examples of birch in a Sentence

a cabinet made of birch
In those days, schoolchildren got the birch when they misbehaved.

Recent Examples of birch from the Web

There were also peonies, birch and beech branches in the mix throughout the chapel.

— ashley hoffman, Time, "Meghan and Prince Harry Did Something Special With Those Royal Wedding Flowers," 21 May 2018
Open the door here and you’ll be ensconced in a quintessential Northwoods ambiance of birch bark tables, antler chandeliers, timber logs and plaid blankets draped about.

— sharyn alden, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Northwoods lodges offer a nostalgic getaway," 18 May 2018
Learn how the French voyageurs and Potawatomi were connected, feel a beaver pelt, see canoes built of birch bark and walk inside a wigwam.

— annie alleman, chicagotribune.com, "Upcoming summer events for the south suburbs," 13 May 2018
In the last two years, those caterpillars have attacked black and scarlet oak, birch, beech, and other deciduous trees.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "Salvaging White Oaks Lost To Gypsy Moth Devastation," 21 May 2018
Thankful Thursdays There will be raw dog food, Denali Dog Treats, Alaska Sprouts, local honey, fresh chicken and goose eggs, salsa, Alaska seafood, grass fed beef and birch syrup.

— steve edwards, Anchorage Daily News, "Spenard Farmers Market kicks off this weekend; here’s what will be there," 16 May 2018
Among the seasonal branches of beech, birch and hornbeam – along with plenty of Meghan’s favorite peonies – it was also revealed that the florist would be incorporating white garden roses into the floral displays, which were Diana’s favorite flower.

— marcia moody, Town & Country, "How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Paying Tribute to Princess Diana on Their Wedding Day," 8 May 2018
Craddock is using branches of beech, birch and hornbeam to complete her wedding look.

— aj willingham, cnn design: megan pendergrass, CNN, "How to throw one helluva (proper) Royal Wedding party," 2 May 2018
Nonetheless, pollen remains a huge concern in Alaska as well, though the main source is birch trees, not ragweed.

— umair irfan, Vox, "It’s not your imagination. Allergy season gets worse every year.," 28 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of birch

Middle English, from Old English beorc; akin to Old High German birka birch, Old English beorht bright, and probably to Latin fraxinus ash tree — more at bright

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

birch

verb

Definition of birch

birched; birching; birches

transitive verb

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

Examples of birch in a Sentence

students at the private school were once routinely birched for violating the rules
always a stern disciplinarian, our father birched anyone who talked back