niche

A small part of a market where a particular product or service can succeed.

• They found a niche selling handmade soap.
• The company fills a niche in the travel market.
• Is there a niche for this new service?

How to use it: a niche in something (They identified a niche in the clothing market.)

Similar words: market segment

Common phrases: market niche, profitable niche, niche in something

A role or area of work that suits your skills or interests particularly well.

• She found her niche in teaching.
• He carved a niche for himself as a local historian.
• This role offers a niche for someone with your skills.

How to use it: find your niche in something (He found his niche in radio journalism.); carve a niche for yourself (She carved a niche for herself writing about food.)

Similar words: place, specialism

Common phrases: find a niche, carve a niche, niche in something

Intended for a small group of people with a particular interest or need.

• This is a niche magazine.
• The shop sells niche products for model builders.
• Her music appeals to a niche audience.

Similar words: specialist

Opposites: mainstream

Common phrases: niche market, niche product, niche audience, niche interest

To put something in a small space set into a wall.

• They niched the statue in the wall.
• A small vase was niched above the door.
• The builder niched a stone figure beside the entrance.

Common phrases: niche a statue, niche a vase