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You might think of a sconce (the word that when combined with the prefix en- forms ensconce) as a type of candleholder or lamp, but the word can also refer to a defensive fortification, usually one made of earth. Originally, then, a person who was ensconced was enclosed in or concealed by such a structure, out of harm's way. One of the earliest writers to apply the verb ensconce with the general sense of "hide" was William Shakespeare. In The Merry Wives of Windsor the character Falstaff, hoping to avoid detection when he is surprised during an amorous moment with Mrs. Ford, says "She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras."
Examples of ensconce in a Sentence
Adam Verner
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Nestled along Maui’s coast in one of the most exclusive oceanfront areas on the northwest side of the island, the 24-acre Montage Kapalua Bay is ensconced in nature, including a Five-Star spa that marries the indoors and outdoors brilliantly.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Despite the poor fiscal policy scores for the governors, Edwards expressed confidence that a governor would be better than someone already ensconced in Washington.
—Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
But Andrew remains ensconced at Royal Lodge.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ensconce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensconce. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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ensconce
verb
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