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Added 9 October 2026

notch

/nɒtʃ/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about notch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A V-shaped cut. Such a cut, used for keeping a record.
The notches in that tribe's warrior axe handles stand for killed enemies.
Such a cut, used for keeping a record.
The notches in that tribe's warrior axe handles stand for killed enemies.
An indentation.

verb

To cut a notch in (something).
To record (a score or similar) by making notches on something.
The tribe's hunters notch their kills by notches on each's axe's handle.
To join by means of notches.

Origin

Recorded since 1577, probably a rebracketing of an otch, from Middle French oche (“notch”), itself from the Old French verb ochier (“to notch”), of uncertain origin, but possibly related to French hocher and English nick (“small cut, notch”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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