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

On the wall, Volume by Guy de Rougemont (1972) and vintage 1970s aluminum sconces. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

Feldman reports that the over-the-top drama of big bulbs framing a mirror has made way in modern design for pleasant and timeless sconces that won’t fade out of fashion so quickly. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024

Pair this green paint color with textured details such as wicker storage baskets or a jute rug, and add a touch of shine with brass accents in the form of wall sconces, picture frames, or hardware. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024

London’s Porta Romana provided the modern wall sconces and chandeliers dotting the space, which illuminate details such as the kitchen’s marble-top island and nearby turquoise green carpeting. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

: a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall