the location in a range of mountains of a geological formation that is lower than the surrounding peaks
"we got through the pass before it started to snow"
a V-shaped or U-shaped indentation carved or scratched into a surface
"there were four notches in the handle of his revolver"
A V-shaped cut.
"The carpenter used a saw to make a precise notch in the timber for joining it to the beam."
Such a cut, used for keeping a record.
"The sailor made a fresh notch in the tally board to mark another successful voyage."
In plain English: A notch is a small cut, groove, or indentation made into something to mark it or hold another object in place.
"The salesman added another notch to his record for this month's sales."
notch a surface to record something
"The carpenter carefully notched the timber to mark where the beam should be cut."
To cut a notch in (something).
"The carpenter used a saw to notch the end of the timber so it could fit into the wall frame."
In plain English: To notch something means to cut a small V-shaped mark into it, often as a way of counting progress or achievements.
"She managed to notch up her third victory in the tournament this season."
The word "notch" has been recorded in English since 1577 as a rebracketing of an earlier form otch. It likely comes from the Middle French verb meaning "to notch," which may be related to words like English "nick."