bough — a main branch of a tree
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a main branch of a tree
Pronunciation (IPA): /baʊ/
Example Sentences
- The cat got stuck on a high bough and needed rescue.
- She carved their initials into the smooth bark of the oak bough.
- The swing hung from a sturdy bough that had supported generations of children.
bough
NOUN[/baʊ/]
a main branch of a tree
A heavy bough bends low under the weight of ripe red apples.
Beneath the bough, he takes a bow to make his vow!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Bough derives from Old English bōg, a native English word that shares a common Germanic root with German Bug (shoulder, joint). The word originally referred to a bent or curved part of the body, eventually coming to denote the branches of a tree due to their curved, arm-like appearance.
Breakdown
bōg (arm, shoulder, anything bent) → bough (tree branch). The semantic shift from 'bent limb' to 'tree branch' reflects the curved, arm-like structure of branches extending from a trunk.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat got stuck on a high bough and needed rescue.”
“She carved their initials into the smooth bark of the oak bough.”
“The swing hung from a sturdy bough that had supported generations of children.”
“Santa got his beard tangled in a Christmas tree bough while delivering presents.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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