Al"cove (?; 277), n. [F. alcôve, Sp. or Pg. alcoba, from Ar. al-quobbah arch, vault, tent.] 1. (Arch.) A recessed portion of a room, or a small room opening into a larger one; especially, a recess to contain a bed; a lateral recess in a library.

2. A small ornamental building with seats, or an arched seat, in a pleasure ground; a garden bower. Cowper.

3. Any natural recess analogous to an alcove or recess in an apartment.

The youthful wanderers found a wild alcove.
Falconer.

• A small recessed area set off from a larger room.