a division or subdivision of the stem or axis of a tree, shrub, or other plant.

a limb, offshoot, or ramification of any main stem

the branches of a deer's antlers.

any member or part of a body or system; a section or subdivision

the various branches of learning.

a local operating division of a business, library, or the like.

a line of family descent stemming from a particular ancestor, as distinguished from some other line or lines from the same stock; a division of a family.

a tributary stream or any stream that is not a large river or a bayou.

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. branch water ( def. 2 ) .

Linguistics . (in the classification of related languages within a family) a category of a lower order than a subfamily and of a higher order than a subbranch or a group, as the Germanic branch of Indo-European. Compare group ( def. 4a ) .

Computers . a point in a computer program where the computer selects one of two or more instructions to execute, according to some criterion.

Nautical . a warrant or license permitting a pilot to navigate in certain waters.

to put forth branches; spread in branches.

to divide into separate parts or subdivisions; diverge

The main road branches off to the left.

to expand or extend, as business activities

The bank has plans to branch throughout the state.

to divide into branches or sections.

to adorn with needlework; decorate with embroidery, as in textile fabrics. ?

branch out, to expand or extend, as business activities, pursuits, interests, etc.

The business is branching out into computers.