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

In addition to architectural elements, Martin uses lighting and accessories, like a pair of sconces with a delicate pleated shade or a collection of wall art prints of the same size and style, to add balance. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026

Alabaster There's something timeless about an alabaster sconce or chandelier. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 Mar. 2026

Frosted-glass sconces on the walls bear bas-relief nudes in classical repose. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026

Upholstered in velvet, the bed base itself is plush yet precise, with hotel-suite glamour that would feel right at home beneath a Lalique sconce or two. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 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