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

Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025

The cabin is full of Arsham’s touches, including bathroom tiles made of recycled material and amorphous glass sconces that appear to billow like fabric. —John Wogan, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025

The gentle wave-like shade of this West Elm plug-in wall sconce adds light and personality without the need for hardwiring. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

Warm woods, fresh flowers, Tiffany lighting, and tasteful sconces enhance the relaxed ambience. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 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