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

There are raw brass sconces, distressed Moroccan rugs, quirky little stools, alien lamps, vintage artwork, and a custom sectional done in two-tone green, to look less new. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2024

Candle sconces from the New Preston, Connecticut antique store, Dawn Hill, flank an antique mirror Falconer found on 1stDibs. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2024

How Velvet in Decor Is Being Reimagined to Warm Up the Cooler Months Eye-Catching Lighting From sconces to chandeliers to accent lamps, lighting aided in the lavishness of Art Deco interiors. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024

Find it on Amazon A Set of Vintage Wall Sconces That Are Easy to Install These wall sconces are the perfect way to add lighting to any small room. —Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

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