birch 1 of 2

verb

Definition of birchnext
1
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible students at the private school were once routinely birched for violating the rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly always a stern disciplinarian, our father birched anyone who talked back

Synonyms & Similar Words

birch

2 of 2

noun

as in hickory

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of birch
Verb
During most of the year, merlins inhabit open country ranging from marshlands to deserts, but many breed in conifer and birch woods. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 The fungus and wood fiber combination was applied in thin coats on the surfaces of two types of paper, denim, polyester felt and birch wood veneer, and left in an oven to dry for a day. — New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
Noun
Large and mid-sized trees like birch, sugar maple, and white oak offer architectural interest and a sense of heritage. — The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026 As the air crisps and the region’s signature aspen and birch radiate gold, outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, fishing, and off-roading grow even more inviting. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for birch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for birch
  1. hide
  2. lick
  3. hickory
  4. leather
  5. lash
  6. rattan
  7. whip
  8. pound
Verb
  • Ambarchi is the director who makes occasional cameos, hiding with his guitar in the shadows until stepping forward only when necessary.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Popo would lick her cone ever so gracefully, never dripping or messing up the lining of her magenta lipstick.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Teams have to be licking their chops after seeing what Tampa Bay did to Dallas last Thursday night, especially considering the defense (or lack thereof) that the Cowboys have shown through five weeks.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick
Noun
  • Benton settled in 1841, then incorporated 60 years later, expanding outward from the planting of a hickory tree.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The collection mixes authentic OshKosh details like denim and hickory stripe, reimagined with signature Sergio Hudson design elements.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of hickory
Verb
  • From pencil to pleated, mini to knee-length, sheer to leather, and understated to embellished — the skirt ruled the runway.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Those getting leathered up are Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Lily-Rose Depp, Doona Bae, Riley Keough, Chris Pine and Cate Blanchett.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of leather
Verb
  • Most of the students were accused of minor offenses, like making threats, using cannabis vapes or lashing out at classmates or teachers, the analysis found.
    — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • More students ages 10 to 13 are ending up in the justice system after vaping, making threats and lashing out at school.
    — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lash
Noun
  • It’s fueled by a propane tank that tucks neatly inside the table, which is crafted from a combination of metal and weather-resistant rattan.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
  • The set is wrapped in durable rattan with steel frames underneath, and the tabletop is made of weather-resistant acacia wood.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Definition of rattan
Verb
  • Now imagine whipping your phone out after work, telling the world about it, and landing a brand deal worth $10K or more.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Now imagine the same hot and dry conditions, but with the Santa Anas whipping at 40 miles an hour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • When Louise would remember the show decades later, the audience was always so electric that the room exploded into stamping feet and pounding fists.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine briefly halted such attacks, but has since resumed them — while Russia never stopped pounding Ukraine’s energy plants and cities.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of pound

Browse Nearby Words

biplanes
birch
birched
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Birch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/birch. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on birch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about birch

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