alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
Synonyms of alcovenext
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.
Entering this top floor unit, the great room is to the left, with lofty nine-foot ceilings, custom bookshelves, and a rather striking alcove. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 9 Mar. 2026 When the curtain is open during the day, the living room also enjoys the light entering through an alcove/bedroom window. Giada Storelli, Architectural Digest, 7 Mar. 2026 The haunting and moving scenes lensed inside this narrow alcove-like space were all really shot on-location and make for mesmerizing viewing. Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026 In both cases, tub sizes will differ from those of a traditional alcove tub. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026 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 11 Mar. 2026.

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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