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

The chairs are Regency Mahogany, purchased at auction, and the sconces and their coordinating shades were purchased while on holiday in Modena, Italy. —Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025

Install matching sconces above double vanity mirrors, and match the finish of the sconce to the mirror and faucet for a clean, industrial look. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025

Incorporate Lighting Mounting a sconce in each berth lets every sleeper control their own reading light. —Laura Fenton, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

Turn your porch into a calming oasis with twinkling fairy lights, or upgrade your front yard with in-ground pathway lighting or solar sconces. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 29 Mar. 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