notch

/nɑtʃ/
noun
  1. A V-shaped cut or indentation in a surface or edge.
    • The carpenter cut a notch in the wood so the pieces would fit together.
    • He carved a small notch in the stick to mark the distance.
    • The belt has an extra notch for when you need it a little looser.
  2. A level or degree on a scale, often used figuratively.
    • The tension in the room went up a notch when the boss walked in.
    • She moved up another notch in the company's ranking system.
    • The team turned up their performance a notch in the second half.
verb
  1. To cut a V-shaped mark or indentation into something.
    • The scout notched a tree to mark the trail.
    • He notched the end of the arrow so the string would fit.
    • She notched the edge of the paper to keep track of the pages.
  2. To achieve or earn something, especially a victory or score.
    • The company notched record profits this quarter.
    • She notched a perfect score on the final exam.
    • The team notched their third win of the season.
Synonyms