Definition of the word niche

The word "niche" has its roots in French and Old French. In the 14th century, the French word "niche" referred to a recessed area, especially in a wall, where a statue or other decorative object was placed. This sense of the word comes from the Latin "nix," meaning "wet nurse," which was likely related to the idea of a recessed area being a cozy or sheltered space. As the word evolved, its meaning expanded to include any specific or specialized area of interest, occupation, or activity. For example, a person might have a niche in a particular field or industry. In the 17th century, the word "niche" was borrowed into English and has since been used to describe a wide range of contexts, from art to marketing to ecology. Today, the word "niche" is commonly used to describe a specific audience, market, or area of expertise.