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

There are plenty of cozy spaces to hide away at this Moorish-style hotel, with stunning casbah-inspired alcoves in the lobby, a library with a fireplace, and Spanish tapas and more at the wine bar Más.

From Los Angeles Times

Succulents in the front yard grow in an alcove built into the chimney.

From Los Angeles Times

Less than one week later, 52-year-old Daravuth Van was found dead in an alcove outside Town Hall Seattle in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood shortly after 5 a.m.

From Seattle Times

Kansas City Democratic Rep. Patty Lewis spoke through tears as she described hiding in an alcove to avoid being trampled.

From Seattle Times

Hirsch obliged by opening up an alcove in the bedroom with windows overlooking the yard and adding a custom-made desk with built-in cabinetry — “a space for light work.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• compartment
• cubicle