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View synonyms for niche

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.


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.

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
“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


verb

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

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.


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Other Words From

  • un·niched adjective
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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
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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
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Example Sentences

In 2020, he’s watched a flood of amateurs rush into his niche of finance—a phenomenon he last saw more than two decades ago.

From Fortune

That left the NR750 in a niche all its own, a futuristic cul-de-sac, a high-tech, outside-the-circle salute to Soichiro Honda, who died just a few months before the bike’s 1992 debut.

While those can effectively help you, staying original in your pursuit can carve a niche for you.

So, no matter what niche you are in, get focused on site speed now, and address the issue before it becomes a major problem.

It’s still a niche trend — retail properties being converted to industrial use.

Not long ago, however, these outré components would have amounted to an interesting yet niche rap career.

Nightlife (5%): Most exciting nightlife; most vibrant social scene (2.5% each, Niche).

Activities and clubs (5%): Student clubs and organizations nbsp;(2.5%, U.S. News); best student centers (2.5%, Niche).

The Source was initially created to help serve that niche, covering the industry with commentary, reviews, and reported features.

But I have found a unique niche right now that is definitely satiating this profound need that I have always possessed.

It was not an exalted niche to fill in life, but at least she had learned to fill it to perfection, and her ambitions were modest.

In a niche in the mud wall was a cheap print of the Madonna, one candle just smouldering out before it.

He casts an anxious glance around, and disappears in the niche of the cell door.

Suddenly her hand came in contact with something round and small set in a large niche in the wall.

The third wall, a solid one of smoke-blue plaster, held the niche called "tokonoma," where pictures are hung and flower vases set.

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More About Niche

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.

Where does niche come from?

The first records of the word niche in English come from the early 1600s. Niche comes from French and derives from the Middle French verb nicher, meaning “to make a nest.” It ultimately derives from the Latin nīdus, meaning “nest.”

Niche was first used in English to refer to a nook in a wall where you could display a statue or something else—like a little nest for decorative objects. Eventually, it came to be used in a figurative sense to refer to the narrow place or position you can occupy to find success. Niche is perhaps most commonly used as an adjective describing such positions or interests. For example, an ice cream shop that offers niche flavors like jalapeño and lavender occupies a niche market by serving customers with niche tastes.

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What are some other forms related to niche?

  • unniched (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with niche

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing niche?

How is niche used in real life?

As a noun, niche commonly refers to a specific career or business that will set someone apart and allow them to be successful. As an adjective, it’s often used to describe specific interests, businesses, or segments of the consumer market.

 

 

 

Try using niche!

Which of the following words could be described with the adjective niche?

A. market
B. interest
C. topic
D. all of the above

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