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

Bergin added a set of pewter sconces from Santa Barbara Lights and a 19th-century Dutch mirror to elevate this tiny bathroom that Bacon shares with her five-year-old daughter. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Dec. 2024

Reading sconces are one great light source to place conveniently around the sofa and in-between windows, Chused said. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024

Lined with Subway Ceramics wall tiles, the space is illuminated by Schoolhouse Electric ceiling lights and Fritz Fryer sconces. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

Use the dainty wreath to add a delicate touch of Christmas green to a sconce above a fireplace mantel. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 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