Niche
/niːʃ/noun
A recess or hollow in a wall, or a specialized position or role.
Did you know?Niche comes through French from Latin *nidus* (“nest”), the same root behind words tied to nesting and shelter, so its original image is a built-in refuge rather than a mystical secret.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nid-
“to nest, make a nest”
Latin
Latin
nidus
“nest”
Old French
Old French
niche
“a recess, kennel, or nook”
Middle English
English
niche
“a recess in a wall for a statue or ornament”
Modern English
English
niche
“a recess or specialized position or role”
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