Definition

1. Noun:

   • A small V-shaped or U-shaped cut or indentation made in a surface or edge: A physical mark or groove, often used for counting, measurement, or decoration.
   • A narrow pass or gap between mountains: A geographical feature, a lower point in a mountain ridge.
   • A level or degree on a scale: An informal way to refer to a step or grade in quality, intensity, or achievement.

2. Verb:

   • To make a notch in something: To cut or carve a small V-shaped or U-shaped indentation into a surface.
   • To score or achieve something (informal): To secure or record a success, victory, or desired level.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He carved a notch in the stick to mark each day.
  • The hikers traveled through a steep mountain notch.
  • Her performance was a notch above the rest.

• Verb:

  • Please notch the wood here for the joint.
  • The team notched another win last night.

Advanced Usage

• "to notch something up": To achieve or record something, such as a success or a score.
  • The company notched up record profits this quarter.
• "to take someone down a notch": To humble someone; to reduce someone's pride or arrogance.
  • The defeat really took the arrogant player down a notch.

Variants and Related Words

• Notched (adj): Having notches; indented.
  • The leaf had a notched edge.
• Notchy (adj) (informal): Describing a mechanism (like a gear shift) that moves with distinct, click-like stages.
  • The manual transmission was satisfyingly notchy.

Synonyms

• Noun: Nick, indentation, groove, cut, gap, pass, level, degree.
• Verb: Nick, indent, score, mark, achieve, secure.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Notch up: To achieve or accumulate a score, victory, or amount.
  • He has notched up over 20 years of service with the firm.

Related Idioms

• A notch on (someone's) bedpost/belt: A casual, often disapproving way to refer to a sexual conquest or a success that is collected as a trophy.
  • He saw each business deal as just another notch on his belt.
• Top notch: Of the highest quality; excellent.
  • The service at the hotel was top notch.

Noun

1. a small cut
2. a V-shaped or U-shaped indentation carved or scratched into a surface
   • there were four notches in the handle of his revolver
3. the location in a range of mountains of a geological formation that is lower than the surrounding peaks
   • we got through the pass before it started to snow
4. a V-shaped indentation
   • mandibular notch

Verb

1. notch a surface to record something
2. cut or make a notch into
   • notch the rope