niche

Meaning

Noun

1. A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament.
2. Any similar position, literal or figurative.
3. Specifically, a cremation niche; a columbarium.
4. A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.
5. (broadly) Any position of opportunity for which one is well-suited, such as a particular market in business.
6. An arrow woven into a prayer rug pointing in the direction of qibla.

Verb

1. (transitive) To place in a niche.
2. (transitive) To specialize in a niche, or particular narrow section of the market.

Adj

Pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal; obscure.

Synonyms

recess

nook

corner

bay

ecological niche

alcove

cave

cranny

cubbyhole

recession

shrine

slot

locus

cavity

hole

🕳️

hollow

locale

location

mend

patch

pigeonhole

place

platform

point

position

seat

💺

site

spot

suitable

venue

microhabitat

depression

burial niche

altar

berth

cavern

chair

🪑

closet

compartment

crevice

den

enclosure

filling

gain

gap in the market

hiding place

Translations

niche

Nische

nicchia

nicho

nicho

nis

nínxol

niche

hornacina

κόγχη

angulus

créneau

εγκαθίσταμαι

Pronounced as (IPA)

/niːʃ/

Etymology

Cognate with French: nicher

In summary

Unadapted borrowing from French niche, from Middle French niche, from Old French niche, from nicher (“to make a nest”) (modern French nicher), from Vulgar Latin *nīdicāre, from Latin nīdus (“nest”). Doublet of nidus and nide via Latin and nest via Proto-Indo-European; also related to nyas.