bough

noun

ˈbau̇ How to pronounce bough (audio)
Definition of boughnext
as in branch
a major outgrowth from the main stem of a woody plant a tree bough fell on my car during the windstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bough The day was otherwise cheerful; sunshine dappled through evergreen boughs. — Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026 Then use dead leaves, small boughs, or wood chips to fill in open spaces and make the bottom layer roughly level with the stump. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026 Laying the boughs over perennial beds for the winter to afford them protection from cold and wind. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026 Spray the underside of the branches, focusing on the cut ends of the boughs, Hunter says, because that’s where the moisture can be absorbed the fastest. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bough
  1. branch
  2. limb
Noun
  • This photograph shows a sign of Swiss giant banking UBS at a branch in Zurich on March 4, 2026.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Police and the El Paso, Texas, branch of the NAACP are condemning a group of people, possibly including youths, who were shown wearing Ku Klux Klan-style white robes and hoods in viral social media videos.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of branch
Noun
  • The clear frontrunner was Chris Brown, a 16-year-old multi-threat from Virginia who sang, rapped, and danced like his limbs were made of gas-station inflatables.
    — Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The horses panicked after a tree limb fell and hit the side of the wagon, ranch officials said on social media Saturday.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of limb

Browse Nearby Words

bottoms
bough
boughs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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