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

Bedside lamps with fabric shades like raffia or linen for soft visual interest, wall sconces—especially candle variations—for ambient glow, and a floor lamp near a lounge chair can create distinct lighting zones that support reading or winding down without screens. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026

Wall Sconces or Pendant Lights Swap your floor lamps for wall sconces or pendant lights to brighten up your space. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 2026

The bar has been warmed with wall sconces spilling out delicate lighting. —Providence Journal, The Providence Journal, 7 Mar. 2026

How Often To Clean Light Fixtures Lightly dust lamps, sconces, and other easy-to-reach light fixtures every two weeks at a minimum to prevent dust from accumulating. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 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
• 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