First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1birch
noun \ˈbərch\
: a type of tree that has outer bark which can be pulled off easily
: the hard, pale wood of the birch
the birch : the punishment of being hit with a birch stick
Full 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
— birch or birch·en \ˈbər-chən\ adjective
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Origin 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
2birch
verb
Definition of BIRCH
transitive verb
: to beat with or as if with a birch : whip
First Known Use of BIRCH
1830
BIRCH Defined for Kids
birch
noun \ˈbərch\
Definition of BIRCH for Kids
: a tree with hard wood and a smooth bark that can be peeled off in thin layers
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