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to notch

to notch

15 4.1
To cut a small V-shaped mark in something to help pieces fit together
  • verb
  • /nɑtʃ/
translation icon : hacer una muesca
  • He notched a small mark on the wooden plank to measure the length accurately.
  • notch a log
  • notch a gate

To notch or not to notch, Is that Shakespeare?

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Examples

  • When she found one that was suitable, she notched the bark and then looked for a third.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Only clear some trees to notch the ridge at the turning point.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • The forest looks notched, as if it's been cut with scissors.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • OK, Now when you notch, OK, there's two kinds of notches.

  • Second-year outside linebacker Von Miller also notched a sack, increasing his season total to 14.

    Blog text (4)
  • To keep track of his progress, she notched a line on the wall after each successful run.

  • After cutting the fabric, he notched the edges to prevent fraying.

Synonyms

to mark
vsto notch
192 1.0

Make a visible line, spot, or sign on a surface

is a precise small V shaped cut used specifically for record or measurement
to scratch
vsto notch
161 1.1

To cut or mark a surface by scraping it with something sharp

is a deliberate small V shaped cut used for measurement or decoration
to nick
vsto notch
33 3.5

To make a small cut on the skin or a surface, often by accident

is made deliberately for recording, measurement, or decoration
to dimple
vsto notch
5 4.1

To make a small rounded dip on a surface

is a small V shaped cut rather than a rounded pressed indentation
to indent
vsto notch
1 3.4

To make a small dent in a surface by hitting or pressing it

is a small V shaped mark often made for record or decoration
to jag
vsto notch
8.4

To cut notches or sharp points into something

is a small neat V shaped incision rather than rough, uneven cutting

Idioms

Slightly better than similar people or things in quality

A success someone counts to show they are making progress

Phrasal Verbs

17 7.4

To act in a less loud or angry way

to notch up
  • Informal
1 4.7

Get a higher score, more sales or a win

Compounds

top notch
  • Informal
38 3.6

Of the highest quality and better than most similar things

mandibular notch
  • Specialized
9.5

A small curved dip on the top edge of the lower jaw between two bony points

How Deep

to gouge
20 7.2
to slash
53 3.0
cut
1.0
to notch
15 4.1
to scratch
161 1.1

Surface Forms

notch infinitive
notched past
notched past participle
notching present participle
notches third person singular

Etymology

Notch as a verb comes from the same idea of making a small cut, like making a nick in a stick. So to notch something is to make that little cut or mark.