alcove

American  

[al-kohv] / ˈæl koʊv /

noun

alcoves plural

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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• alcoves
  plural

Etymology

Origin of alcove

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

Explanation

Chapels in churches are often alcoves. Picture one set off to the side with a vaulted ceiling, separated by pillars and a small railing. See that and you see an alcove, defined. If your bed is in an alcove in a studio apartment, it is in a recessed area of the room, separated by an arch or a half wall but not by a door. Think of an alcove as a sidecar to a room or even a cave. It's a separate smaller area that is still attached, but feels cozy because it is partially enclosed.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alcove alcoves

The kitchen is complemented by a breakfast alcove that is nestled into a windowed nook overlooking the back porch and the swimming pool.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 10, 2026

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

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

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 ● Aug. 19, 2025

Also, fact: two days ago, Violet and I spied Phil and Lisa kissing, and apparently making up, in an alcove by art class.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

A piped-in soundtrack simulates urban din, and latticed wood alcoves emulate storefronts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 7, 2026

My summers were spent oscillating between New Jersey beaches and the blast-chilled alcoves of my local library, reading about tornadoes, Greek mythology and Count Olaf.

From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2023

Set in a garden among plum and kiwi trees, the cottage has traditional tatami mats, shoji-paper and fusuma sliding doors, chunky wooden cabinets and tokonoma alcoves.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2023

It’s a magical environment that works as an extension of the house, filled with shade, wildlife and private alcoves, including a pathway to a bunny hutch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2022

It was sparely furnished, having but a small table, two chairs and a bench; but at either side there were curtained alcoves and well-clad beds within with vessels and basins for washing.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• compartment
• cubicle