Alcove: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฟ
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alcove

 

[ หˆalkษ™สŠv ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in architecture

A small recessed section of a room or garden, typically used for seating or decoration.

Synonyms

niche, nook, recess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alcove

Alcove is suitable for describing a small recessed section of a room or garden, often used to feature a specific item or for a cozy sitting area.

  • They placed a comfortable chair and small table in the alcove by the window
nook

Nook is ideal for describing a small, cozy corner or area within a larger space, often used for activities like reading or relaxation.

  • She loves to spend her afternoons reading in the quiet nook by the fireplace
recess

Recess can be used to describe a small space set back or indented from a main area, often used in architectural contexts or when describing hidden or tucked away areas.

  • They built shelves into the recess of the wall to maximize space
niche

Niche refers to a specialized, small recessed area often used for decorative purposes or to house a particular object, such as an artwork or statue. It can also describe a specific position or role perfectly suited for someone.

  • She found a perfect niche to display her treasured vase
  • He has found his niche in teaching

Examples of usage

  • The reading nook in the library was nestled in a cozy alcove.
  • She placed a small table and two chairs in the alcove of her garden.
Context #2 | Noun

in nature

A sheltered or secluded area in a natural landscape, often surrounded by trees or rocks.

Synonyms

cove, grotto, hideaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alcove

A small recessed section of a room or garden, often used for seating or decoration.

  • There was a cozy alcove with a bench in the corner of the garden
  • The bookcase was tucked into a neat alcove in the living room
grotto

A small, picturesque cave, often found in gardens or used as a decorative element.

  • The garden featured a stunning grotto with a waterfall
  • They discovered an ancient grotto while hiking in the mountains
cove

A small, sheltered bay along the coast, often with calm waters.

  • They found a beautiful cove perfect for swimming
  • The fishermen docked their boat in the quiet cove
hideaway

A secluded place where someone can go to be alone or escape from others.

  • He built a secret hideaway in the attic where he could read
  • They rented a remote cabin as a romantic hideaway for the weekend

Examples of usage

  • We found a peaceful alcove by the river where we could have a picnic.
  • The waterfall cascaded down into a hidden alcove in the cliffs.

Translations

Translations of the word "alcove" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alcova

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเคพเค–เคผเฅเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Alkoven

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ relung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะปัŒะบะพะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ alkowa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฅฅใพใฃใŸๅ ดๆ‰€ (okumatta basho)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท alcรดve

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alcoba

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alkov

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž‘์€ ๋ฐฉ (jageun bang)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู‚ุตูˆุฑุฉ (maqแนฃลซra)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alkov

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ alkov

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡นๅฎค (ฤoshรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ alkova

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ alkรณfa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปัŒะบะพะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒšแƒ™แƒแƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alkov

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alcoba

Etymology

The word 'alcove' originated from the Spanish word 'alcoba', which in turn came from the Arabic word 'al-qubba', meaning a vault or dome. The concept of alcoves can be traced back to ancient Roman architecture, where they were used as intimate spaces within larger rooms. Over time, alcoves evolved to serve both functional and decorative purposes in interior design and outdoor landscapes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,587, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.