niche

plural niches

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

   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.

   1641, John Evelyn, edited by William Bray, John Evelyn's Diary, volume 1, London: Henry Colburn, published 1850, page 34

   Synonyms: nook

2. Any similar position, literal or figurative.
3. Specifically, a cremation niche; a columbarium.
4. biologyA function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.
5. broadlyAny position of opportunity for which one is well-suited, such as a particular market in business.

   I managed to carve out a niche for myself in the world of investigative journalism.

   1 more example

   Whitney, mother of Xavier, is a real estate titan who, along with her British husband, has found her niche selling luxurious underground bunkers to wealthy clients looking for a safe space to hunker down in the event of a climate apocalypse.

   2022 April 5, Elizabeth Wetmore, “How Far Will Parents Go to Protect Their Sons?”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 31 Aug 2022

   Synonyms: specialty, specialization

6. IslamAn arrow woven into a prayer rug pointing in the direction of qibla.

present singular third person niches · participle present niching · participle past niched · past niched

1. transitiveTo place in a niche.

   a niched vase

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

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

   2002, Frederick Betz, Executive Strategy, page 92

comparative more niche · comparative nicher · superlative most niche · superlative nichest

1. Pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal; obscure.

   niche products

   2 more examples

   niche audience

   You can go even more niche if you like though and choose 'crocheting' or 'bird sewing patterns' but the 'more niche' you go, the more you narrow your audience.

   2016, BookLover, How to Become A Massive YouTube Celebrity