birch

¹birch

noun \ˈbərch\

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

Examples of BIRCH

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

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with BIRCH

church, Church, curch, lurch, merch, perch, search, smirch