alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv 

1

a

: a small recessed section of a room : nook

b

: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche

2

: summerhouse sense 2

alcoved

ˈal-ˌkōvd 

adjective

Synonyms

• belvedere
• casino
• gazebo
• kiosk
• pavilion
• summerhouse

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

According to the excavation team, the rooms measure approximately 32 by 16 feet and feature Roman-style walls and white marble altars with alcoves that likely held sacred stones. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

There’s an alcove off the main dining room at Maison Marunouchi with two tables that are ideal for kids. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2024

The collection also includes a writing desk and shelves, perfect for an alcove off the bedroom or a home office. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024

Soft, rounded shapes lower ceilings, private alcoves, wellness rooms, brighter colors, private spaces and workspace personalization can normalize feminine approaches to work. —Corinne Post, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv 

1

: a small section of a room set back from the rest of it

2

: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche