noun
brand
BRAND
noun
1
A name, symbol, or identity that marks a product or company and distinguishes it from competitors.
"The company spent millions building its brand."
"Consumers often pay more for a trusted brand."
2
A particular make or type of product.
"She only buys one brand of coffee."
"This brand of trainers is popular with runners."
3
A mark burned into skin or hide with a hot iron, especially to show ownership of livestock.
"The rancher checked the brand on the stray cow."
"Every calf on the ranch gets a brand within its first year."
verb
1
To mark permanently with a hot iron, or to label someone unfairly with a lasting reputation.
"The scandal branded him as untrustworthy for years."
"Cattle are branded so ranchers can identify them."
How to Use Brand
Learner’s notes
Common mistake
In business contexts, "brand" is the identity and reputation; a "trademark" is the specific legally protected name or logo.
Common pairings
brand name
brand new
build a brand
branded goods
Word Forms
branded past tense, brands plural, Brands plural, brands singular
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The company spent millions building its _____.
Etymology
From Old English brand, meaning "fire" or "burning torch" — the sense of a company's identity is a modern extension of the older idea of marking ownership with fire.