alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
1
a
: a small recessed section of a room : nook
b
: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche
2
alcoved adjective

Examples of alcove in a Sentence

a small alcove in one corner of the backyard garden an ancient vase in an alcove and a sculpture of Achilles on a stand in the museum's Greek Hall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The footage shows a living room setting with two arched minimalist alcove spaces along a wall, decorated with just a couple of lamps. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Published on September 13, 2024 By Demetrius Simms Steven Freedman Photography Photo : ©David Dietrich Photography Photo : ©David Dietrich Photography The room includes a cozy seating alcove lined with fabric panels. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2024 A lot of people leave things in Laura’s room, in this little alcove. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 Full of alcoves and cosy spaces, this is a great space for toasting achievements on the road to success. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alcove 

Word History

Etymology

French alcôve, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubba the arch

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcove was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near alcove

Cite this Entry

“Alcove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcove. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcove

noun
al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
1
: a small section of a room set back from the rest of it
2
: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche

More from Merriam-Webster on alcove

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