Brand

Definition

Brand is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a specific name, or a mark burned onto an object to signify ownership. As a verb, it means to mark with a hot iron or to label or categorize something, often to create a particular perception.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /brænd/
• Respelling: brand

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /brænd/
• Respelling: brand

The pronunciation of "brand" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "brand" originates from Old English "brand" or "brond," meaning "fire" or "a burning piece of wood." It developed to mean a mark of ownership or quality, especially one burned onto livestock. The modern sense of "brand" as a type of product with a distinctive identity emerged in the late 19th century.

Derivatives

• Branding (noun)
• Brand-name (noun/adjective)
• Rebrand (verb)
• Branded (adjective)
• Brandish (verb)

Synonyms

• Trademark
• Label
• Mark

Antonyms

• Unmarked
• Generic
• Unlabeled

Usage

The term "brand" is commonly used in marketing to refer to the identity and reputation associated with a product, as in "The company invested in building its brand." It is also used as a verb to describe the act of creating a particular perception, such as "They branded their product as eco-friendly."

Related Terms

• Trademark: A legally registered symbol or name representing a company or product.
• Logo: A symbol or design representing a company or product.
• Identity: The unique characteristics and image associated with a brand or company.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A type of product manufactured under a specific name: Refers to a distinctive name or identity associated with a company’s product.
  • Example: "This soap is a popular brand known for quality."
• A mark or symbol burned onto an object to signify ownership: Historically used to mark livestock, but also associated with ownership or quality assurance.
  • Example: "The cattle bore the ranch’s brand."

Verb

• To mark something with a hot iron: Refers to the action of burning a mark onto an object, often as a sign of ownership.
  • Example: "They branded the cattle to prevent theft."
• To label or categorize, especially for perception or identity: Used in marketing to create a recognizable identity.
  • Example: "The company branded itself as an environmentally friendly business."