alcove

noun

al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
Synonyms of alcove
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 How to pronounce alcove (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of alcove

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Perhaps most delightfully, there’s an antique barber’s chair tucked into its own grooming alcove. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The ceiling arches in the back, hiding a tiny alcove where a couple sits tucked close, their legs tangled beneath the table. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 There are two large closets, one of which is just off the sleeping alcove, and two windows facing the rear, hinting at natural light without so much street noise. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 Aug. 2026 They were inspired by the Curtain of Courage Memorial outside the San Bernardino County Government Center — 14 bronze alcoves, each curved like a protective wall and dedicated to one of the victims. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alcove

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcove was in 1655

Rhymes for alcove

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Browse Nearby Words

Alcott
alcove
alcresta ipecac
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Cite this Entry

“Alcove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcove. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alcove

noun
al·​cove ˈal-ˌkōv How to pronounce alcove (audio)
1
: a small section of a room set back from the rest of it
2
: an arched opening (as in a wall) : niche

More from Merriam-Webster on alcove

Nglish: Translation of alcove for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alcove

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