Pronunciation

/bəʊ/

Definitions

• Noun: In botanical context, a branch that has detached from the main trunk or stem of a tree, usually with leaves. For example: “The boughs swayed gently in the breeze.”
• Verb: (archaic) To hang or attach something, often a load, to a branch or limb. For example: “He bough a heavy bag of groceries onto the high shelf.”
• Adjective: (slang) A slang term for a prostitute or promiscuous woman. For example: “She’s known to be quite the bough around these parts.”

Phrases

• “Hang a bough” means to suspend or attach a bough to a structure, typically for decoration.
• “A bough of holly” is a traditional Christmas decoration.
• “Bough of laughter” is a metaphorical expression for a hearty, infectious laugh.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The gardener carefully placed the flowers on the boughs to create a beautiful wreath.”
• Verb: “The worker had to bough a ladder to reach the high branches.”
• Adjective: “The old man recalled the days when he was known as the town’s bough, but now he was retired.”

Synonyms

• Branch (botanical sense)
• Limb (in the context of trees)
• Slut (informal, derogatory)
• Harlot (archaic, formal)