'alcove' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-qubba,' where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'qubba' meant 'vaulted chamber.'

'al-qubba' transformed into the Spanish word 'alcoba,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alcove' through Middle French.

Initially, it meant 'a vaulted chamber,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a recess in a room or garden.'