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

Also, multiple light sources help too—try a reading lamp, a bedside sconce, and a small table lamp for a soft, relaxing glow that envelopes you after a long day. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 July 2025

Its brass wall sconces and tuxedoed servers serving tableside flambees. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

An extraordinary arched entrance with Gothic sconces leads to the sizable main house. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 June 2025

That same sense of storytelling and collaboration drives Solum, which includes table lamps, pendant lamps, and sconces—each made to order and customizable. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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

Rhymes for sconce

• bons
• hans
• launce
• nonce
• esperance
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• renaissance
• naissance
• response

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

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