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

Belden House respectfully maintains countless of the house’s architectural details, such as fireplaces, chandeliers, sconces, and woodwork, while elevating it with great refinement—think custom wallcoverings, playful fabrics of stripes, and warm velvets—for modern connoisseurs. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

In addition to sconces around the mirror, a pendant light or chandelier also makes an eye-catching statement. —Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

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, 9 Apr. 2026

Let Symmetry Sing Like a good pair of sconces, a set of commanding topiaries can make quite a statement. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

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