The word branch has several related meanings:

A branch is an arm-like part of a tree that grows out from the trunk. Branches split off and reach in different directions, some thick and sturdy enough to climb on, others thin and flexible. Birds build nests in branches, and in autumn, colorful leaves grow from them before falling to the ground.

The word extends to describe anything that splits off from a main structure. A river has branches (also called tributaries) that flow into it from different directions. Your family tree has branches showing how relatives connect across generations. A library system might have multiple branches in different neighborhoods, all connected to the main library. The U.S. government has three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial, each with different responsibilities.

In math and computer science, branches can represent choices or paths that split from a main flow. A flowchart might show a decision point where the process branches in different directions depending on the answer.

The word also works as a verb: roads can branch off from a highway, or a conversation might branch into unexpected topics. When a business branches out, it expands into new areas or tries something different from what it usually does.