sconce

1 of 2

noun (1)

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
This West Elm sconce picked out by architect Amanda Gunwawan for this Los Angelos loft, for instance, is the star of the show when illuminating the bathroom’s limewashed walls. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 21 July 2023 Its grand lobby is a visual treat for the eyes – with vaulted ceilings punctuated with golden Murano chandeliers and sconces; luxe, cozy vignettes meant for sipping cocktails or snuggling with a book; and an adjacent ballroom anchored by a theatrical Chihuly chandelier. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024 Moore has used articulating scissor-arm sconces that can extend and swivel to provide light wherever it’s needed. San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2024 Many of these silver service items are on display, as are the glittering bronze sconces and gilded tables. Gaile Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Soft touches are added to the space through the upholstered bed, beige wall color and a gold sconce. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 5 Jan. 2024 Ornate sconces and hardware add to the decadent vibe. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 13 Aug. 2023 Experiment with a blend of integrated lighting, from sconces to hanging fixtures, to lean into the vertical space the space already has—go for any combination that leaves the room feeling bigger, lighter, and more airy. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024 Among the highlights: a living room anchored by a black marble fireplace embedded in a wood accent wall adorned with sconces, along with a formal dining room. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sconce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sconce was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sconce

Cite this Entry

“Sconce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sconce. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sconce

noun
ˈskän(t)s
: a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall

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