English · Word Candidate

niche

/niːʃ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: niches · niching · niched · nicher

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament.

Noun

Examples

On the margin of this long tract, are abundance of shrines and images, defended from the injuries of the weather by niches of stone wherein they are placed.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any similar position, literal or figurative.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To place in a niche.

Verb

Examples

a niched vase

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To specialize in a niche, or particular narrow section of the market.

Verb

Examples

Product differentiation will be mostly limited to market niching and fashion.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “niche” mean?

A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament.

Is “niche” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.