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

• 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

Example Sentences

“Just as families gathered around the hearth in the 19th century, they now gathered around the radio,” says Robert C. Allen, distinguished professor emeritus of American studies at the University of North Carolina.

From The Wall Street Journal

From repeatedly whacking steel with a heavy hammer to sitting sweat-drenched by a hearth for hours, the daily grind of blademaking is also not for the faint-hearted.

From Barron's

They lifted an iron kettle and set it on the hearth.

From Literature

The hearth, where many of these dishes were made, was the one source of heat for many families, especially in the countryside.

From Salon

Ashmodai had vanished, leaving nothing but his empty desk and a fire crackling away in the hearth.

From Literature

Related Words

• fireplace