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

Related Words

• compartment 
• cubicle