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

Her other tips include incorporating under-shelf LED lights and wall sconces, layering scale and texture, and including one piece of artwork for visual interest. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

Don’t count out sconces, either. —Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026

In all, there are seven bathrooms, plus five more powder rooms outfitted with Baccarat sconces. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026

Also new are the host stand, permanent heaters, wall sconces and dining tables, according to Chef/Partner Trey Foshee. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 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