SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

the birch

noun

Definition of the birch

British

: the punishment of being hit with a birch stick

In those days, schoolchildren got the birch when they misbehaved.

Word by Word Definitions

birch play

: 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
: the hard pale close-grained wood of a birch
: a birch rod or bundle of twigs for flogging

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

See the full definition of birch

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the birch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

play

to lower or disgrace the reputation of

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Syn City

Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.

Play the game