Bough
/baʊ/noun
A main branch of a tree.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, boughs were often used in rituals to symbolize connection to the divine and the natural world, embodying both life and renewal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeu̯gʰ-
“to bend, curve or turn”
Old English
Old English
bōh
“a curved branch or bow of a tree”
Middle English
Middle English
bough
“a branch of a tree, often specifically a larger one”
Modern English
English
bough
“a primary or secondary branch of a tree, typically large and thick”