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

That same sense of storytelling and collaboration drives Solum, which includes table lamps, pendant lamps, and sconces—each made to order and customizable. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Control Surrounding Lighting If additional light is needed, use dimmable sconces, soft table lamps, or, for outdoor settings, low-hanging string lights and lanterns that offer enough visibility without overpowering the gentle candlelit glow. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025

Interiors blend tactile minimalism with local artistry: Rooms have custom sconces by Panos Profitis, plus textiles by Greek-Egyptian designer Salma Barakat. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

All of it is housed in a warm space, painted with Farrow and Ball shades of New White, String, and Wimborne White paints and lit by Nickey Kehoe sconces. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 28 May 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