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You might think of a sconce (the word that when combined with the prefix en- forms ensconce) as a type of candleholder or lamp, but the word can also refer to a defensive fortification, usually one made of earth. Originally, then, a person who was ensconced was enclosed in or concealed by such a structure, out of harm's way. One of the earliest writers to apply the verb ensconce with the general sense of "hide" was William Shakespeare. In The Merry Wives of Windsor the character Falstaff, hoping to avoid detection when he is surprised during an amorous moment with Mrs. Ford, says "She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras."
Examples of ensconce in a Sentence
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The Little Nell is firmly ensconced in Aspen's heart, directly at the base of Ajax mountain, surrounded by luxury jewelers, fur shops, and boutique purveyors of luxe outer wear (Gorsuch boutique is attached to the hotel), and tony cafes like the Gorsuch Ski Cafe across the way.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
Trump sat for the next portion of the game ensconced in a bulletproof glass box resembling the Popemobile.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026
Remy is ensconced in Colorado as director of jazz and commercial music studies at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ensconce
Cite this Entry
“Ensconce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensconce. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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ensconce
verb
