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niche

noun

  1. an ornamental recess in a wall or the like, usually semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue or other decorative object.
  2. a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing:
    to find one's niche in the business world.
    Synonyms: berth, slot, vocation, calling
  3. a distinct segment of a market.

adjective

  1. pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal:
    niche advertising.

verb (used with object)

, niched, nich·ing.

  1. to place (something) in a niche.

/ niːʃ; nɪtʃ /

noun

  1. a recess in a wall, esp one that contains a statue
  2. any similar recess, such as one in a rock face
  3. a position particularly suitable for the person occupying it
    he found his niche in politics
  4. modifier relating to or aimed at a small specialized group or market
  5. ecology
    the role of a plant or animal within its community and habitat, which determines its activities, relationships with other organisms, etc

verb

  1. tr to place (a statue) in a niche; ensconce (oneself)

/ nĭch,nēsh /

  1. The function or position of a species within an ecological community. A species's niche includes the physical environment to which it has become adapted as well as its role as producer and consumer of food resources.

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Other Words From

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Word History and Origins

Origin of niche1

First recorded in

1605–15;

from French, Middle French, back formation from nicher “to make a nest,” from Vulgar Latin nīdiculāre (unrecorded), derivative of Latin nīdus nest

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Word History and Origins

Origin of niche1

C17: from French, from Old French nichier to nest, from Vulgar Latin nīdicāre (unattested) to build a nest, from Latin nīdus nest

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Example Sentences

Lawrence is that kind of guy, and “I Like Movies” is that kind of movie: Both revel in name-drops and really specific, niche details designed to draw in a select audience.

Harris’ campaign has targeted several of Arizona’s niche demographic groups — such as Mormons and Native Americans — whose small margins could swing the state.

It has my favorite records, my favorite books and it’s a very niche collection.

On the surface, this type of move sounds like it would help people's finances on a widespread basis, even more than a niche issue like tips.

Beyond creating a niche for himself as an influencer, he’s living every tennis nerd’s dream, traveling the world and sharing courts with some of the best players in the game.

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More About Niche

What does niche mean?

A niche is a place or position that’s particularly appropriate for someone or something, especially due to being very specific and different from others.

Niche often refers to a position or interest that allows someone or something to thrive in a particular environment. It’s especially used in the context of people’s careers to refer to the specific position, occupation, or business that will set them apart from others and allow them to be successful.

When someone tells you to “find your niche,” they mean you should find the very specific activity or position that sets you apart and in which you can find success or fulfillment.

Niche can also refer to a very specific part of the consumer market, as in My startup occupies a niche in the dry cleaning chemicals industry.

In ecology, niche refers to the position or function that an organism occupies within its environment among other species of plants and animals.

The original, literal sense of niche refers to recess in a wall, especially one for the display of decorative objects, such as statues. Much less commonly, niche can be used as a verb meaning to place something in this kind of niche.

Niche is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that has very specific appeal, as in_niche market_ or niche interests.

The correct pronunciation of niche can be either nich or neesh.

Example: I started my bakery by selling all kinds of baked goods, but then I found my niche—making superhero-themed cupcakes.

Where does niche come from?

The first records of the word niche in English come from the early 1600s. Niche comes from French and derives from the Middle French verb nicher, meaning “to make a nest.” It ultimately derives from the Latin nīdus, meaning “nest.”

Niche was first used in English to refer to a nook in a wall where you could display a statue or something else—like a little nest for decorative objects. Eventually, it came to be used in a figurative sense to refer to the narrow place or position you can occupy to find success. Niche is perhaps most commonly used as an adjective describing such positions or interests. For example, an ice cream shop that offers niche flavors like jalapeño and lavender occupies a niche market by serving customers with niche tastes.

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How is niche used in real life?

As a noun, niche commonly refers to a specific career or business that will set someone apart and allow them to be successful. As an adjective, it’s often used to describe specific interests, businesses, or segments of the consumer market.

"As soon as I got behind a dogsled, I knew I had found my niche in the outdoor world." https://t.co/8NmOrExVDx

— Outside (@outsidemagazine) July 27, 2017

We have to start being unapologetic about Afrobeats. Stop acting like they are doing us a favor by playing our music. Wizkid sold out the O2 arena with 20,000 capacity. We are not a niche genre anymore. Tell your local deejay to update his Afrobeats playlist. We Worldwide now!!

— Eche Enziga (@Echecrates) August 10, 2018

Admittedly a niche topic but 🐝I LOVE BEES 🐝and think everyone else should too. Did you know "bee tourism"is now a Thing? I went to Slovenia to do it! 🐝🍯🐝🍯https://t.co/woqqB7sJZH

— Katie Grant (@kt_grant) August 10, 2018

Try using niche!

Which of the following words could be described with the adjective niche?

A. market
B. interest
C. topic
D. all of the above