What does NICHE mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun

Definitions

1. A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment.
2. A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service.
3. A shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament.

Pronunciations

• US: /niːʃ/
• UK: /niːʃ, nɪtʃ/

Origin and Usage

The word "niche" comes from the French word "nicher," meaning "to nest." The word has been used in English since the 1600s to refer to a recess in a wall for a statue or other ornament. In the 1800s, it began to be used to describe a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service. Today, it is commonly used in business and marketing to refer to a specific target audience or customer base.

Synonyms

• Specialty
• Market segment
• Area of expertise
• Forté

Related Words

• Nicer
• Nicks
• Niece
• Nicad
• Nidal

Example Sentences

1. After years of hard work, she finally found her niche in the company and was promoted to a management position.
2. The company decided to focus on a niche market of environmentally-conscious consumers.
3. The museums collection of ancient artifacts was displayed in niches along the walls.