Notch
/nɒtʃ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA V-shaped cut or indentation made in an edge or surface.
/nɒtʃ/
A V-shaped cut or indentation.
The arrow had a notch on its end to fit on the bowstring.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a mark with a knife, like a tiny 'V' shape. That's a notch! You might make a notch to remember something or to show how many times you've done something.
👶 For kids: A little cut like a 'V' shape.
More Examples
The climber placed his foot in the notch on the rock face.
He made a notch on the calendar for each day he went to the gym.
How It's Used
"The carpenter made a notch in the beam to fit the supporting brace."
"The hikers used notches on a stick to keep track of days."
To make a notch or notches in something.
/nɒtʃ/
To cut or make a notch in something.
The craftsman notched the wood to create a decorative design.
💡 Simply: To notch something is like making a little 'V' cut into it. You might notch a piece of wood to hold something else, or just to make a mark.
👶 For kids: To make a little cut like a 'V' shape.
More Examples
He notched the calendar to count the days.
The hunter notched the arrow before releasing it.
How It's Used
"He notched the wood to make a decorative pattern."
"They notched the tags on the animals as part of the study."
A degree or level; often used in comparison.
/nɒtʃ/
A level or degree of quality.
Her performance was a notch above the rest of the contestants.
💡 Simply: When something is 'a notch above' something else, it means it's a little bit better. Like, if you're a notch above average at a game, you're a bit better than most people.
👶 For kids: A small bit better.
More Examples
The service at the new restaurant was a notch better than the previous one.
The new camera is a notch better than the old model.
How It's Used
"The new model is a notch above the old one."
"The company's sales increased a notch this quarter."
Idioms & expressions
a notch above
Slightly better or superior.
"This restaurant is a notch above the others in town."
From Middle English *nocche*, from Old French *oche* (a cut or nick), of uncertain origin, possibly related to *esche* (a notch).
The word 'notch' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a cut or indentation.
Memory tip
Think of a 'V' cut into wood - that's a notch!
Word Origin
"A cut or nick"