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

Choose among leather banquettes nestled into corners dimly lit by wall sconces, floor seating steps away from live jazz performers or high tables along glass cases filled with sketches of the celebrities who have graced the Chop House with their presence over the years. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Installing new outdoor sconces or adding a few lanterns is a quick way to make your home feel more inviting, says Toronto interior designer Rebecca Hay. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025

Other small accents, such as these charming glass jars, mounted sconces, and floral wall hangings, are subtle yet impactful touches that can give any room new life. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025

That could be a table lamp tall enough or sconces high enough for someone sitting in bed reading, along with ambient overhead lighting. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 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