niche
[ nich, neesh ]
/ nɪtʃ, niʃ /
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noun
an ornamental recess in a wall or the like, usually semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue or other decorative object.
a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing: to find one's niche in the business world.
a distinct segment of a market.
Ecology. ecological niche.
adjective
pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal: niche advertising.
verb (used with object), niched, nich·ing.
to place (something) in a niche.
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Origin of niche
1605–15; <French, Middle French, back formation from nicher to make a nest <Vulgar Latin *nīdiculāre, derivative of Latin nīdusnest
OTHER WORDS FROM niche
un·niched, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use niche in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for niche
niche
/ (nɪtʃ, niːʃ) /
noun
a recess in a wall, esp one that contains a statue
any similar recess, such as one in a rock face
a position particularly suitable for the person occupying ithe found his niche in politics
(modifier) relating to or aimed at a small specialized group or market
ecology the role of a plant or animal within its community and habitat, which determines its activities, relationships with other organisms, etc
verb
(tr) to place (a statue) in a niche; ensconce (oneself)
Word Origin for niche
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 ]
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
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