1 B1 idiomatic neutral
For a business to expand into new products, services, or markets.
"The bakery started as a bread shop but has since branched out into cakes, coffee, and catering."
branch out
B1 neutral intransitive
To expand into new areas of activity, interest, or business beyond what you currently do.
In plain English
To start doing new and different things beyond what you usually do, like a tree growing new branches.
What does "branch out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
For a person to explore new interests, skills, or activities beyond their usual ones.
"After years of painting landscapes, she decided to branch out and try portrait photography."
3 A2 neutral
For a tree or plant to grow new branches outward.
"The oak tree had branched out so much over the years that its canopy covered the entire garden."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a tree to grow new branches outward in different directions.
Actually means
To start doing new and different things beyond what you usually do, like a tree growing new branches.
Usage tip
Very common in both business and personal development contexts. Often followed by 'into' (branch out into photography). Almost always positive in tone, suggesting growth, ambition, and exploration.
Words that pair with "branch out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
business career interests into new areas market
How to conjugate "branch out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
branch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
branches out
he/she/it
Past simple
branched out
yesterday
Past participle
branched out
have + pp
-ing form
branching out
continuous
Hear "branch out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "branch out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "branch out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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