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

Palatial splendor merges with chalet coziness, particularly in the raclette and charcuterie-heavy Le Coin Savoyard restaurant (one of three in the hotel and four off-site) and in the salons, where sofas and traditional rugs are illuminated by chandeliers and dim sconces. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Layer recessed lights, sconces, and floor lamps to brighten low-light areas. —Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026

Located in the lobby of the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, ViceVersa’s design pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco past with its emerald wall, gold-leaf sconces, and geometric art prints. —Mariette Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026

Only a simple wooden sconce and unique door knocker are needed to decorate this space. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 May 2026

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
• naissance
• response
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• renaissance

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

: a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall