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REFERENCE

notch

n. · v.
US //ˈnɑtʃ// UK //nˈɒtʃ// notch
  1. 1 a V-shaped cut (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small V-shaped cut or hole in an edge or surface.

    a V-shaped indentation or incision made in an edge or surface.

    Example

    He cut a small notch in the stick to mark where the string should go.

    Example

    The carpenter made a precise notch in the timber to ensure the crossbeam would fit snugly into the frame.
  2. 2 a level or degree (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    After the first successful quarter, the manager decided to turn the pressure up a notch to see how the new recruits handled the stress.
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  1. 3 phone screen cutout (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Early bezel-less designs were criticised for the intrusive notch that interrupted the visual continuity of the high-definition display.
  2. 4 to achieve or record (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to achieve a success or to score a point.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    Often used with the particle 'up' as in 'notch up'.
  3. 5 mountain pass (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Dialect

    a narrow passage or gap between mountains.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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”).

Idioms4 entries

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