/ nɒtʃ; NAmE nɑːtʃ/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a level on a scale, often marking quality or achievement :
The quality of the food here has dropped a notch recently.
—see also top-notch
2.
a V-shape or a circle cut in an edge or a surface, sometimes used to keep a record of sth :
For each day he spent on the island, he cut a new notch in his stick.
She tightened her belt an extra notch.
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
( informal ) notch sth (up) to achieve sth such as a win or a high score :
The team has notched up 20 goals already this season.
2.
to make a small V-shaped cut in an edge or a surface
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: probably from Anglo-Norman French noche , variant of Old French osche , of unknown origin.