notch
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small V-shaped cut or hole in an edge or surface.
n.a V-shaped indentation or incision made in an edge or surface.
Simple“He cut a small notch in the stick to mark where the string should go.”
In context“The carpenter made a precise notch in the timber to ensure the crossbeam would fit snugly into the frame.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The team needs to step up their game a notch if they want to win.”
In context“After the first successful quarter, the manager decided to turn the pressure up a notch to see how the new recruits handled the stress.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The new phone has a smaller notch, so there is more space for the screen.”
In context“Early bezel-less designs were criticised for the intrusive notch that interrupted the visual continuity of the high-definition display.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The company managed to notch up another record year for sales.”
In context“By winning the final match, the athlete notched her tenth consecutive victory in the international circuit.”
UsageOften used with the particle 'up' as in 'notch up'.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a narrow passage or gap between mountains.
n.a narrow pass or defile between mountains, particularly in the northeastern United States.
Simple“The hikers followed the trail through the notch to reach the other side of the range.”
In context“The road winds steeply through the Crawford Notch, offering dramatic views of the granite cliffs on either side.”
“Antonelli was in the lead by Les Combes, and that’s where he finished the race, notching up his sixth win of the season.”
“A different condition, abfraction, looks very different – deep wedge-shaped notches near the gumline.”
Recorded since 1577, probably a rebracketing of an otch, from Middle French oche (“notch”), itself from the Old French verb ochier (“to notch”), of uncertain origin, but possibly related to French hocher and English nick (“small cut, notch”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.