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

S&P Global’s services survey showed a deterioration in incoming new business volumes, which dropped for a 14th straight month and notched the steepest contraction since last April.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having gone 5-4 in January, the Bruins notched their first win of February by shooting 56% from the field, hitting 12 of 21 three-point attempts and sharing the ball to the tune of 25 assists.

From Los Angeles Times

S&P Global assigned Strategy a B- issuer credit rating with stable outlook in October, five notches below the lowest rung of investment grade.

From Barron's

S&P Global assigned Strategy a B- issuer credit rating with stable outlook in October, five notches below the lowest rung of investment grade.

From Barron's

Last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.4%, notching the largest three-week point and percentage decline since the week ended Nov. 21, 2025, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From Barron's

Related Words

• rung