alcove

American  

[al-kohv] / ˈæl koʊv /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of alcove

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

Example Sentences

Throughout those months, he got to know the guy who frequented his alcove, the one Ed had warned him about.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

“Deputies were positioned less than ten feet away in the narrow alcove outside the restroom and issued verbal commands.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

An alcove devoted to gay rights displays an early version of the rainbow flag, campaign and protest buttons, and a ceiling fragment from the Stonewall Inn, where a 1969 uprising launched the gay liberation movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Nicholas James Reilly, 34, created the “Taxi Driver” alcove.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

I circle the alcove, admiring all the bits of Belle lore.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• compartment
• cubicle