hearth

noun

ˈhärth 

1

a

: a brick, stone, or concrete area in front of a fireplace

b

: the floor of a fireplace

also : fireplace

c

: the lowest section of a furnace

especially : the section of a furnace on which the ore or metal is exposed to the flame or heat

2

: home

longed for the comforts of hearth and home

3

: a vital or creative center

the central hearth of occidental civilization

—A. L. Kroeber

Synonyms

• abode
• diggings
• domicile
• dwelling
• fireside
• habitation
• hearthstone
• home
• house
• lodging
• pad
• place
• quarters
• residence
• roof

Examples of hearth in a Sentence

They swept the ashes from the hearth.

all were welcome, friends and strangers alike, to their humble hearth

Recent Examples on the Web

Groin vaulted ceilings and a gothic hearth complete the kitchen and breakfast room. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

Aged in a mix of bourbon and Madeira casks, this malt is as warm and inviting as a holiday hearth. —Lela London, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The hotel’s main building is wood-clad, cozy, and a bit creaky, warmed by a central hearth and blanketed in the darkly expressionist art of Argentine painter Alfredo Prior. —Mark Johanson, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024

Here, the painting over the hearth pulls together all the colors in the room, from upholstery to accessories, and adds a casual touch to a formal living room. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herth, from Old English heorth; akin to Old High German herd hearth, and probably to Sanskrit kūḍayāti he scorches

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hearth

• hearth and home
• open-hearth
• open-hearth process

Kids Definition

hearth

noun

ˈhärth 

1

a

: the area in front of a fireplace

b

: the floor of a fireplace

c

: the lowest section of a blast furnace

2

: home entry 1 sense 1a