alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv 

1

a

: a small recessed section of a room : nook

b

: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche

2

: summerhouse sense 2

alcoved

ˈal-ˌkōvd 

adjective

Synonyms of alcove

• pavilion

Examples of alcove in a Sentence

a small alcove in one corner of the backyard garden

an ancient vase in an alcove and a sculpture of Achilles on a stand in the museum's Greek Hall

Recent Examples on the Web

The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

All the way up front in the alcove, Kimbo takes advantage of the 8's larger footprint to install a proper 60 x 80-in (150 x 203-cm) queen-size mattress. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner. —Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026

At Cala Cavone—a jut of rock fringed with crashing waves—self-service loungers, espresso, and snacks are stored in an alcove in the cliff. —Kristina Kasparian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French alcôve, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubba the arch

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for alcove

• mangrove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

Kids Definition

alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv 

1

: a small section of a room set back from the rest of it

2

: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche