hearth

American  

[hahrth] / hɑrθ /

noun

1. the floor of a fireplace, usually of stone, brick, etc., often extending a short distance into a room.

2. home; fireside.

   the joys of family and hearth.

   Synonyms:

   house, abode, household

3. Metallurgy.

   1. the lower part of a blast furnace, cupola, etc., in which the molten metal collects and from which it is tapped out.

   2. the part of an open hearth, reverberatory furnace, etc., upon which the charge is placed and melted down or refined.

4. a brazier or chafing dish for burning charcoal.

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hearth British  

/ hɑːθ /

noun

1. 1. the floor of a fireplace, esp one that extends outwards into the room

   2. ( as modifier )

      hearth rug

2. this part of a fireplace as a symbol of the home, etc

3. the bottom part of a metallurgical furnace in which the molten metal is produced or contained

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hearthless
  adjective
• multihearth
  noun

Etymology

Origin of hearth

First recorded before 900; Middle English herth(e), Old English he(o)rth; cognate with German Herd, Dutch haard

Explanation

If you are warming yourself by the fireplace, you are sitting by the hearth. The noun hearth refers to a fireplace and the area around it. Hearth refers specifically to the paved floor of a fireplace, which may extend out into a room. Hearths are associated with home and family because the hearth was historically the main source of heat in the home, as well as where the cooking was done. As a result, family members often gathered together around the hearth. The importance of the hearth has made it symbolic of the home, as in the phrase "hearth and home."

Related Words

• fireplace