Branford, town (1990 pop. 27,603), New Haven co., S Conn., on L.I. Sound, 7 mi/11.3 km ESE of New Haven; 41°16'N 72°47'W. Mainly residential, with a busy retail shopping area. Tourism and mfg. of electrical prods. and marine equipment are central to the economy. Settled 1644, inc. 1930 as a town.