notch

American  

[noch] / nɒtʃ /

noun

1. an angular or V -shaped cut, indentation, or slit in an object, surface, or edge.

2. a cut or nick made in a stick or other object for record, as in keeping a tally.

3. New England and Upstate New York. a deep, narrow opening or pass between mountains; gap; defile.

4. Informal. a step, degree, or grade.

   This camera is a notch better than the other.

5. Metallurgy. a taphole in a blast furnace.

   iron notch; cinder notch.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cut or make a notch in.

2. to record by notches.

   He notched each kill on the stick.

3. to score, as in a game.

   He notched another win.

idioms

1. notch up / down, to move up or down or increase or decrease by notches or degrees.

   The temperature has notched up another degree.

notch British  

/ nɒtʃ /

noun

1. a V-shaped cut or indentation; nick

2. a cut or nick made in a tally stick or similar object

3. a narrow pass or gorge

4. informal a step or level (esp in the phrase a notch above )

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verb

1. to cut or make a notch in

2. to record with or as if with a notch

3. informal (usually foll by up) to score or achieve

   the team notched up its fourth win

notch More Idioms  

1. see take down a notch.

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Other Word Forms

• notchy adjective
• unnotched adjective

Etymology

Origin of notch

1570–80; a notch (by false division) for an *otch < Old French oche notch

Example Sentences

Stocks and longer-term Treasurys steadied after early declines, while gold notched a new record.

From The Wall Street Journal

This awards cycle, Chalamet has also notched a Critics Choice Award and an Actor Award nomination for his performance in “Marty Supreme.”

From Los Angeles Times

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” are among the top film nominees, notching nine and eight nods each, respectively.

From Los Angeles Times

Tesco said sales in the UK were up 3.2% from last year and it had now notched up its highest market share in more than a decade.

From BBC

If the gains hold, the stock will notch its highest close since Nov. 12, 2024, when it ended the session at $821, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From Barron's

Related Words

• rung