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

These sculptural outdoor sconces are designed to sit elegantly amongst nature, celebrating its beauty while withstanding extreme weather conditions. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025

The sconces were included in the show Outside/In, organized by Hello Human and Lyle Gallery, and are available on soft-geometry. —Curbed Editors, Curbed, 5 June 2025

Chez Foushee complements its muted green walls with sconces that cast a soft upward glow. —Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 June 2025

Spruce up your curb appeal instantly with this stylish and super affordable lantern sconce. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 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