notch

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a level or step on a scale of quality or amount.

n. a specific level or degree on a scale, often used to describe an increase in intensity or quality.

“The team needs to step up their game a notch if they want to win.”

“After the first successful quarter, the manager decided to turn the pressure up a notch to see how the new recruits handled the stress.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. the small black area at the top of a smartphone screen that holds the camera.

n. an indentation at the top of a mobile device display used to house hardware components like cameras and sensors.

“The new phone has a smaller notch, so there is more space for the screen.”

“Early bezel-less designs were criticised for the intrusive notch that interrupted the visual continuity of the high-definition display.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to achieve a success or to score a point.

v. to achieve or record a specific score, win, or milestone. Transitive — requires a direct object.

“The company managed to notch up another record year for sales.”

“By winning the final match, the athlete notched her tenth consecutive victory in the international circuit.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun American English · Dialect

n. a narrow passage or gap between mountains.

n. a narrow pass or defile between mountains, particularly in the northeastern United States.

Español:paso

“The hikers followed the trail through the notch to reach the other side of the range.”

“The road winds steeply through the Crawford Notch, offering dramatic views of the granite cliffs on either side.”