alcove

[al-kohv]

noun

1. a recess or small room adjacent to or opening out of a room.

   a dining alcove.

2. a recess in a room for a bed, bookcases, or the like.

3. any recessed space, as a bower in a garden.

alcove

/ ˈælkəʊv /

noun

1. a recess or niche in the wall of a room, as for a bed, books, etc

2. any recessed usually vaulted area, as in a garden wall

3. any covered or secluded spot, such as a summerhouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcove¹

1670–80; < French alcôve < Spanish alcoba < Arabic al-qubbah the dome

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcove¹

C17: from French alcôve, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubbah the vault, arch

Example Sentences

They also added an outdoor dining area, a birdbath and an alcove with a bench, all situated in the shade of fragrant natives.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, she works out of a wall-to-wall pink velvet alcove covered in floral pink wallpaper and dog hair.

From Los Angeles Times

In the alcove of the first floor, guests can shop for the Pierced Handbag or Balloon Bag, or head up to the third floor’s sunlit atrium to find jewelry and ready-to-wear clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it was trying to rescue someone who was stuck on a concrete alcove along the Los Angeles River in Boyle Heights.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair hid in an alcove and heard gunshots ring out as police ran towards the suspect.

From BBC

Related Words

• compartment 
• cubicle