alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
1
a
: a small recessed section of a room : nook
b
: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche
2
alcoved adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There, the sleeping area is accompanied by a small sitting area near a fireplace, plus an alcove for snuggling up with a good book, and even a private deck for enjoying the surrounding greenery. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 May 2025 Hickman Bridge Zion Located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion, Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles round-trip) ends at an awe-inducing rock alcove with two arches. Maya Silver, Outside Online, 2 May 2025 The bath is located in an alcove between the common area and the principal bedroom. María Noval-Quílez, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2025 Cover the alcove in colorful tile to lighten up a space that can quickly feel dark. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alcove

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcove was in 1655

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alcove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcove. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcove

noun
al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
1
: a small section of a room set back from the rest of it
2
: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche

More from Merriam-Webster on alcove

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