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

The Antoinette Poisson wallpaper and The Shade Store flannel curtains add texture, while the Maitland Smith lamp and Felix Lighting sconce light up the space. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025

Massive wood beams, scrolled cast iron sconces, chandeliers and fireplaces adorned with Batchelder tiles helped distinguish the opulent look. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Original cast-iron sconces, iron handrails and chandeliers remained in the house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

Other ways to incorporate ambient lighting into your home are floor lamps, wall sconces, uplights, and LED strips. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

sconce

noun

ˈskän(t)s

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