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

Add texture to beds, couches, and chairs with a plush faux rabbit fur throw blanket, incorporate a pop of color with a throw pillow, and dress up your walls with practical floating shelves or sconces. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Other highlights include a primary bath/sitting room sporting carpet and shades from Pierre Frey, yet more Zuber wallpaper, Ralph Lauren Home sconces, a pink soaking tub, and a fireplace bookended by vanities crafted from gilt bronze and parquetry commodes. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025

There are Tekio pendant lights in Japanese washi paper casting a sculptural glow across the space, complemented by plisse wall sconces. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025

This room is filled with small space hacks, from the hanging sconce, which frees up space on the nightstand, to the peg rail that prevents items from piling up on the floor. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

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