noun
Uncommon
notch
noch
Notch (noun) means a V-shaped or angular cut or indentation in an edge or surface. Example: “He cut a notch into the stick to mark each day.”
noun
1
A V-shaped or angular cut or indentation in an edge or surface.
"He cut a notch into the stick to mark each day."
"The carpenter carved a small notch in the plank to hold the shelf."
"There is a notch at the top of the ruler where the string fits."
2
A level or degree, especially in a scale of quality or achievement.
"The sequel is a notch above the original film."
"Her cooking has moved up a notch since she took the course."
"The service at this hotel is several notches better than anywhere else we stayed."
verb
1
To achieve or score something, adding it to one's record.
"The striker notched his tenth goal of the season."
"The team notched a surprise win in the final match."
"She notched up three awards in her first year as an actor."
How to use notch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small cut or groove, or, figuratively, a level of quality — and as a verb, to score or achieve something.
Common pairings
notch up a win
a notch above
cut a notch
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Word forms
- Plural
- notches
- Third person singular
- notches
- Past tense
- notched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He cut a _____ into the stick to mark each day.
Etymology
Recorded from the late 1500s, likely from a rebracketing of "an otch," from Old French oche ("notch").
Class of 1500
notch joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Related words
Rhymes for notch
See all rhymes for notch →Frequently asked questions
What does “notch” mean?
The word “notch” means a V-shaped or angular cut or indentation in an edge or surface. In plain terms, a small cut or groove, or, figuratively, a level of quality — and as a verb, to score or achieve something.
How do you pronounce “notch”?
“Notch” is pronounced noch (/nɑtʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “notch” in a sentence?
Here is “notch” used in a sentence: “He cut a notch into the stick to mark each day.”
What part of speech is “notch”?
Depending on how it is used, “notch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “notch” come from?
The word “notch” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Old French. Recorded from the late 1500s, likely from a rebracketing of "an otch," from Old French oche ("notch").
Is “notch” a common word?
“Notch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “notch” have?
“Notch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a V-shaped or angular cut or indentation in an edge or surface.
What is the difference between a notch and a nick?
A notch is typically a V-shaped or angular cut or indentation deliberately made in an edge or surface, while a nick is usually a small, often accidental, cut or chip. Notches tend to be more regular in shape and purposeful, such as on a belt or tool.
What does it mean to 'notch' a win or achievement?
To notch something means to achieve or score it, adding it to one's record, as in 'the team notched another victory.' This figurative use comes from the idea of marking a tally with a physical notch or cut.
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