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

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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

Here, the company’s mines sink into the earth amid a wilderness of birches and snow, sparkling and pristine. — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, "A Diamond Giant Plays Up Its Russian Ties to Appeal to Americans," 11 July 2018 While the lawn and paving for an 800-person-capacity natural amphitheater are still being installed, the plastic has been removed from wooden seating, and a small cluster of birches looks at home amid a circle of low stone pavers. — John King, SFChronicle.com, "S.F.’s long-awaited Salesforce Transit Center sets opening date for Aug. 12," 10 July 2018 An integrated Baltic birch banquette and custom dining table provide ample seating and circulation space. — Marni Elyse Katz, BostonGlobe.com, "Sisters build a relaxed summer retreat in coastal Maine," 15 June 2018 The interior boasts concrete stairs, birch plywood walls, and neutral toned furniture. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Prefab modern lake house is powered by the sun," 5 July 2018 His remains are believed somewhere in the spruce-and-birch hills of what is now the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. — Brian Murphy, Washington Post, "How one man’s obsession led to the discovery of a lost WWII pilot," 30 June 2018 The gorgeous curly birch handle offers an ergonomic grip and is carved for a finger guard. — The Editors, Outside Online, "Killer Deals on Camping Gear at Backcountry.com," 12 June 2018 The Clark’s first video installation features six animations, including one inspired by birch trees on the museum’s campus. — BostonGlobe.com, "The week ahead: music, theater, art, and more," 13 July 2018 Accordingly, both trees and woodwork play a starring role in its design: A 700-pound cedar pocket door separates the office from the main living area and is textured to look like birch trees. — Nancy Keates, WSJ, "A Shoe Executive’s Long-Distance Run to His Oregon Abode," 11 July 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.