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

Saab recommends combining overhead lighting with wall sconces and table lamps to lend more flexibility while also avoiding harsh glares. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025

McClinnahan worked closely with Ralph Lauren Home for his restaurant’s interior design and accessories, which include stitched leather and brass sconces, stately table lamps, and rich colors. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025

The double bed was set against the wall and had much needed under-bed storage, while the cabin also featured a closet, bedside table and desk, ceiling fan, and faux candle wall sconces. —Jake Emen, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025

Like reading sconces, the body of this lamp type is usually adjustable. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 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