# sconce

> English word · Noun · IPA /skɒns/ · frequency rank #92,046

## Definitions
1. A fixture for a light, which holds it and provides a screen against wind or against a naked flame or lightbulb.
2. A fixture for a light, which holds it and provides a screen against wind or against a naked flame or lightbulb.

## Etymology
From Middle English sconce, sconse (“candlestick or lantern (with screen)”), from Old French esconse (“lantern”), from Latin absconsus (“hidden”), perfect passive participle of abscondō (“hide”). Cognate with abscond.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/sconce