niche

[ nich, neesh ]
See synonyms for: nicheniches on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. a distinct segment of a market.

  2. Ecology. ecological niche.

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

verb (used with object),niched, nich·ing.
  1. to place (something) in a niche.

Origin of niche

1
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

Other words for niche

Other words from niche

  • un·niched, adjective

Words Nearby niche

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use niche in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for niche

niche

/ (nɪtʃ, niːʃ) /


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

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

  1. a position particularly suitable for the person occupying it: he found his niche in politics

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

  3. 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)

Origin of niche

1
C17: from French, from Old French nichier to nest, from Vulgar Latin nīdicāre (unattested) to build a nest, from Latin nīdus nest

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for niche

niche

[ nĭch, nēsh ]


  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. See also competitive exclusion principle.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.