alcove

UK: /ˈælkəʊv/ US: /ˈælkoʊv/ ,(al′kōv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

al•cove /ˈælkoʊv/   n. [countable]

1. Architecture a recessed space in a room:
   a dining alcove.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

al•cove  (al′kōv), n. 

1. Architecture a recess or small room adjacent to or opening out of a room:
   a dining alcove.
2. Architecture a recess in a room for a bed, bookcases, or the like.
3. any recessed space, as a bower in a garden.

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

Synonyms

nook, bay.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

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

Etymology: 17th Century: from French alcôve, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubbah the vault, arch