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
The eOne Limited – Special Edition's decor is in the firm's typical style and resembles other Escape models inside, with birch used on the walls and featuring a lot of windows. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026 Deciduous trees like maple, oak, birch, willow, and poplar can sprout prolifically. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 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 brother was stuffing bricks of cash in multiple places and would even wrap the money in plastic before hiding it in spaghetti sauce jars.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Paul Robinson is accused of hiding a safe containing drugs and cash.
    — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Owners should also watch for licking that is sudden, persistent or severe enough to cause hair loss or skin damage.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Photos like the one below show children licking massive ice blocks for a slight reprieve from the summer heat.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of lick
Noun
  • The result was a blend of tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, onions, garlic, peppers, hickory smoke, spices and salt.
    — Evan Moore August 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Sugar maples, oaks and hickory trees turn the bluffs red, orange, and gold.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
Definition of hickory
Verb
  • There was lace everywhere and leather too.
    — Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • From Ikebana studios in Kyoto to leather workshops in Florence and tartan looms in Stirling, a growing number of trips now build entire itineraries around a single craft.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Definition of leather
Verb
  • Workers lashed the broad branches together with steel cables and chains.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Vinicius Jr started each of Brazil’s five matches at the World Cup and played a starring role in the group stage, lashing in an excellent goal against Morocco, scoring and assisting against Haiti, and adding a brace against Scotland.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 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
  • If a recipe calls for 1 cup (unwhipped) whipping cream, substitute 2 cups whipped dessert topping, such as Cool Whip.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The first drops of espresso are vigorously whipped with sugar into a thick espumita froth inside the cup, before the rest is poured in, causing the caramelly-brown foam to rise to the top.
    — Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Communities still recovering from last weekend’s hurricane in Hawaii could get pounded again in coming days from another tropical system gaining strength over warm Pacific waters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Jay Lucarelli, 31, sat with his MacBook at the kitchen table in his mother’s home in Jackson Township, Ohio, pounding fastballs and energy drinks.
    — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on birch

Nglish: Translation of birch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about birch

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