notch / näch/ • n. 1. an indentation or incision on an edge or surface: there was a notch in the end of the arrow for the bowstring. ∎  each of a series of holes for the tongue of a buckle: he tightened his belt an extra notch. ∎  a nick made on something in order to keep a score or record: he had a six-gun with four notches in it for guys he had killed. ∎  a point or degree in a scale: her opinion of Nicole dropped a few notches.2. a deep, narrow mountain pass.• v. [tr.] 1. make notches in: [as adj.] (notched) notched bamboo sticks. ∎  secure or insert by means of notches: she notched her belt tighter.2. score or achieve (something): she notched her second major championship.DERIVATIVES: notch·er n.

notch sb. XVI. — AN. noche (XIV), of uncert. orig.
Also vb. XVI.

notch (noch) n. (in anatomy) an indentation, especially one in a bone.