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
  • His inclusion changes the historical record — and adds a dimension to the story of Jewish contributions to the game that has long been hiding in plain sight.
    — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The forthcoming exercise best examines where the Chiefs sit, at 5-1 with the most difficult part of their schedule waiting — because the best teams are not just about maximizing their strengths but hiding their flaws.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Occupying a particularly picturesque and secluded stretch of headland, where Aleppo pines drape rocky coves and the cerulean Mediterranean waves lick the similarly shaded horizon, the resort is the hospitality group’s first foray into the Balearics.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Some wagged their tails as people approached, licked their hands and even liked to be petted.
    — Alida de Flamingh, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick
Noun
  • The multicolor look is contrasted by a more restrained Japan-exclusive Gray/Black/Beige style which features a gray denim base and the same hickory stripe overlays found on the Estate Blue colorway.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • The snake tried to circle and squeeze, but the rat lashed with her claws and teeth.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • News of the briefing leaked, and the senators lashed out at the FBI, saying their efforts to scrutinize the Biden family had been discredited and falsely linked to Russian disinformation.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 27 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
  • Fire crews scrambled late Saturday as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • A little girl pounding her fists and screaming; none of the visitors nor the staff were allowed to hold her to provide comfort.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Pistons pounded the inside and scored 24 second-chance points.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of pound

Browse Nearby Words

biplanes
birch
birched
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Cite this Entry

“Birch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/birch. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on birch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about birch

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