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

Luckily, there’s a plug-in sconce option on sale—one even with glass butterflies. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025

Henderson used sconces and a bold chandelier from Blueprint Lighting not merely for brightness, but as sculptural statements throughout the house. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025

Dust chandeliers, sconces, and ceiling fan blades. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Whether a chandelier, a wall sconce, or a stand-alone desk lamp, Pooky showcases a wealth of different light fixtures and continues to innovate with patterns that evoke playful poshness and flair. —Air Mail, 27 Sep. 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