niche

[nich, neesh]

noun

1. an ornamental recess in a wall or the like, usually semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue or other decorative object.

2. a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing.

   to find one's niche in the business world.

   Synonyms: berth, slot, vocation, calling

3. a distinct segment of a market.

4. Ecology.,  ecological niche.

adjective

1. pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal.

   niche advertising.

verb (used with object)

niched, niching 

1. to place (something) in a niche.

niche

/ niːʃ, nɪtʃ /

noun

1. a recess in a wall, esp one that contains a statue

2. any similar recess, such as one in a rock face

3. a position particularly suitable for the person occupying it

   he found his niche in politics

4. (modifier) relating to or aimed at a small specialized group or market

5. ecology the role of a plant or animal within its community and habitat, which determines its activities, relationships with other organisms, etc

verb

1. (tr) to place (a statue) in a niche; ensconce (oneself)

niche

1. The function or position of a species within an ecological community. A species's niche includes the physical environment to which it has become adapted as well as its role as producer and consumer of food resources.

2. See also competitive exclusion principle

Other Word Forms

• unniched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of niche¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French, Middle French, back formation from nicher “to make a nest,” from Vulgar Latin nīdiculāre (unrecorded), derivative of Latin nīdus nest

Word History and Origins

Origin of niche¹

C17: from French, from Old French nichier to nest, from Vulgar Latin nīdicāre (unattested) to build a nest, from Latin nīdus _nest

Example Sentences

But regardless of how many trophies she takes home, Liniker has already carved out a singular niche for herself in Latin music — as a uniquely uncompromising and generation-defining artist.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His marbled niche looks onto a koi pond, a patch of wisteria.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It is a niche skill, having that imagination," he says.

Read more on BBC

The series obviously has biblical roots, but it’s intended to attract more than a niche audience.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Alun is a senior lecturer in history who specialises in early modern medicine and has devoted years to researching the cultural history of beards - a niche that he realised was lacking on social media.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• alcove 
• slot 

When To Use

What does niche mean?

A niche is a place or position that’s particularly appropriate for someone or something, especially due to being very specific and different from others.Niche often refers to a position or interest that allows someone or something to thrive in a particular environment. It’s especially used in the context of people’s careers to refer to the specific position, occupation, or business that will set them apart from others and allow them to be successful.When someone tells you to “find your niche,” they mean you should find the very specific activity or position that sets you apart and in which you can find success or fulfillment.Niche can also refer to a very specific part of the consumer market, as in My startup occupies a niche in the dry cleaning chemicals industry. In ecology, niche refers to the position or function that an organism occupies within its environment among other species of plants and animals.The original, literal sense of niche refers to recess in a wall, especially one for the display of decorative objects, such as statues. Much less commonly, niche can be used as a verb meaning to place something in this kind of niche.Niche is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that has very specific appeal, as inniche market or niche interests. The correct pronunciation of niche can be either nich or neesh.Example: I started my bakery by selling all kinds of baked goods, but then I found my niche—making superhero-themed cupcakes.