sconce

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈskän(t)s 

1

: a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks

also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce

2

: head, skull

sconce

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a detached defensive work

Examples of sconce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Items such as candle sconces and decorative milagros add a touch of sparkle and enhance the mood. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026

Also new are the host stand, permanent heaters, wall sconces and dining tables, according to Chef/Partner Trey Foshee. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Three-Light Vanity Sconces No bathroom is complete without accent lighting, and many bathrooms feature three-light sconces above the vanity mirror. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026

Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French sconce, *esconse screened candle or lantern, from escunser to hide, obscure, from Old French escons, past participle of escondre to hide, from Vulgar Latin *excondere, alteration of Latin abscondere — more at abscond

Noun (2)

Dutch schans, from German Schanze

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1571, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sconce

• bons
• hans
• launce
• nonce
• esperance
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• renaissance
• naissance
• response

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

: a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall