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 boutique features blue millwork, limestone floors, Murano sconces, custom white oak vitrines and chandeliers. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026

Her Calla Lily sconces show her mirthful approach, also embodied in her towering egg and pear lamps. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026

The sconces come with gold, silver, black, and champagne hardware to match your aesthetic, along with a range of neutral shade tones. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

That translated into custom upholstery; fabrics sourced from textile sellers Merchant & Mills and Notting Hill’s Cloth Shop; DeVol sconces; and cheery ruffled skirting in the kitchen. — Dipal Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 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
• naissance
• response
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• renaissance

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

: a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall