notch

¹notch

noun \ˈnäch\

Definition of NOTCH

1

a : a V-shaped indentation

b : a slit made to serve as a record

c : a rounded indentation cut into the pages of a book on the edge opposite the spine

2

: a deep close pass : gap

3

: degree, step

— notched \ˈnächt\ adjective

Examples of NOTCH

1. Cut small notches at the corners of the fabric.
2. The tool has a notch for prying out nails.
3. The town is on the other side of the notch.
4. They turned the volume up several notches.

Origin of NOTCH

perhaps alteration (from misdivision of an otch) of *otch, from Middle French oche

First Known Use: 1577

Related to NOTCH

Synonyms

chip, hack, indent, indentation, indenture, kerf, nick

Related Words

joggle, nock, punch, snip; groove, score, undercut; slit, slot

Other Printing Terms

epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, tittle, underscore, widow

Rhymes with NOTCH

blotch, botch, crotch, hotch, klatch, scotch, Scotch, splotch, swatch, watch

²notch

transitive verb

Definition of NOTCH

1

: to cut or make a notch in

2

a : to mark or record by a notch

b : score, achieve —sometimes used with up

Examples of NOTCH

1. Notch the ends so that they fit together.
2. He notched his fifth victory this year.

First Known Use of NOTCH

1600

notch

noun \ˈnäch\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of NOTCH

: a V-shaped indentation (as on a bone)—see acetabular notch, sciatic notch, vertebral notch

—notched \ˈnächt\ (audio pronunciation) adjective