notch

noun
\ ˈnäch How to pronounce notch (audio) \

Definition of notch

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a V-shaped indentation
b : a slit made to serve as a record
c : a rounded indentation cut into the pages of a book on the edge opposite the spine
2 : a deep close pass : gap
3 : degree, step

notch

verb
notched; notching; notches

Definition of notch (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cut or make a notch in
2a : to mark or record by a notch
b : score, achieve sometimes used with up

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Other Words from notch

Noun

notched \ ˈnächt How to pronounce notched (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms for notch

Synonyms: Noun

chip, hack, indent, indentation, indenture, kerf, nick

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Did You Know?

Noun

Occasionally, you might hear a child ask for a "napple," as in "I would like a napple," mistaking the phrase "an apple" for "a napple." A similar error is believed to be behind notch, which may have resulted from a misdivision of "an otch." (Otch is a noun that is assumed to have existed in earlier English as a borrowing of Middle French oche, meaning "an incision made to keep a record.") Notch would not be alone in developing from such a mistake. The words newt and nickname were formed, respectively, from misdivisions of "an ewte" and "an ekename." Going in the other direction, umpire first appears in Middle English as oumpere, a mistaken rendering of "a noumpere."

Examples of notch in a Sentence

Noun

Cut small notches at the corners of the fabric. The tool has a notch for prying out nails. The town is on the other side of the notch. They turned the volume up several notches.

Verb

Notch the ends so that they fit together. He notched his fifth victory this year.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Taking it up a notch, this fabulous open-air eatery is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bob Rountree, sun-sentinel.com, "Florida Keys: Road food landmarks on the Overseas Highway," 1 Aug. 2019 And take it up a notch from the sidewalk or backyard tables: Two favorite rooftop patios in St. Paul are at Ox Cart in Lowertown and the Lexington at Grand and Lexington avenues. Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, "It’s not over yet! 19 things to do in summer 2019," 5 July 2019 Having spoken out about politics for the first time in a public and influential endorsement, the singer is taking things up a notch. Alexis Jones, Marie Claire, "Taylor Swift Donated More Than $100k to Fight These Disgusting Anti-LGBTQ Bills," 9 Apr. 2019 Most of all — keyboard aside — the overall design and quality of the hardware is top-notch. Dieter Bohn, The Verge, "Apple MacBook Air (2019) review: the new normal," 17 July 2019 The wrestling itself was top-notch, closing with an emotional main event victory for the Young Bucks over Cody and Dustin Rhodes. Jay Reddick, orlandosentinel.com, "AEW Fight for the Fallen: Young Bucks defeat Rhodes brothers in emotional main event," 14 July 2019 Though the seats cost nothing, the four concerts, which take place on Sundays in July, are top-notch. Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, "Dallas’ Basically Beethoven Festival offers free concerts in July," 4 July 2019 The luxury site's curation is top notch—featuring the coolest vintage finds from Celine to Chanel, YSL, and beyond. Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Best Online Consignment Sites To Score Vintage Designer Fashion," 13 June 2019 O’So’s sours are top-notch, but with 30 offerings, there’s something for every palate. Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Beer and a bike ride: 12 breweries along bike trails in Wisconsin," 6 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Target notched its biggest-ever gain, while Lowe's had its best day in more than a year, leading a broad rally in companies that rely on consumer spending. Alex Veiga, Anchorage Daily News, "U.S. stocks climb after major retailers post solid earnings," 21 Aug. 2019 Curry, who notched top-four finishes in the event in 2013 and 2017, got off to a relatively slow start but enjoyed a Sunday surge into a seventh-place tie with former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. Des Bieler, courant.com, "Tony Romo is the greatest in his sport. That sport being celebrity golf, of course.," 15 July 2019 Gomez, who notched 13 goals and five assists last season, after scoring 19 the season before, has recently been on international duty with Uruguay at the Copa America. SI.com, "West Ham Set to Land Club-Record £45m Maxi Gomez as Forward 'Turns Down Champions League'," 8 July 2019 Kessel, who has notched six 30-goal seasons throughout his career, just may be the Coyotes’ most significant acquisition since trading for Jeremy Roenick in 1996. Richard Morin, azcentral, "Phil Kessel could change everything for the Arizona Coyotes," 1 July 2019 Gustavo Bou’s spot kick in the 16th minute was the difference for the Xoloitzcuintles in a 1-0 victory, who notched their second shutout win in as many games in their preparations for next month’s start of the Liga MX season. Scott French, latimes.com, "OCSC falls to Club Tijuana in exhibition match," 27 June 2019 Ditto the Toronto Raptors, who not only notched their maiden NBA title but also became the only Canadian team to secure the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, "Which NFL team is closest to winning its first Super Bowl? Ranking the 12 contenders," 18 June 2019 More: Michigan State football: 5 freshmen who could notch early playing time Ohio State made a huge splash with landing Julian Fleming recently. Sean Merriman, Detroit Free Press, "Recruiting: Which prospects could Ohio State swipe from Michigan, MSU?," 6 June 2019 Nevertheless, look for the Saints to actively seek a complementary pass rusher to defensive end Cameron Jordan, who notched 13 sacks in 2017 en route a first-team All-Pro selection. Herbie Teope, NOLA.com, "New Orleans Saints predraft depth chart: Defensive line," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'notch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of notch

Noun

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for notch

Noun

perhaps alteration (from misdivision of an otch) of *otch, from Middle French oche

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More Definitions for notch

notch

noun

English Language Learners Definition of notch

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a small cut that is shaped like a V and that is made on an edge or a surface
US : a narrow passage between mountains
: a slightly higher or lower level in a series of levels that measure something

notch

verb

English Language Learners Definition of notch (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a small cut in (something, such as wood) : to make a notch in (something)
informal : to achieve or get (something)