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

Consider hanging a group of pendant lights in your dining room or kitchen, or installing decorative sconces in your bathroom. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2025

The chandelier depicts two dragonflies drinking from a bowl, and matching sconces feature individual dragonflies. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

Add texture to beds, couches, and chairs with a plush faux rabbit fur throw blanket, incorporate a pop of color with a throw pillow, and dress up your walls with practical floating shelves or sconces. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Other highlights include a primary bath/sitting room sporting carpet and shades from Pierre Frey, yet more Zuber wallpaper, Ralph Lauren Home sconces, a pink soaking tub, and a fireplace bookended by vanities crafted from gilt bronze and parquetry commodes. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 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