fireplace
Americannoun
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the part of a chimney that opens into a room and in which fuel is burned; hearth.
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any open structure, usually of masonry, for keeping a fire, as at a campsite.
noun
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an open recess in a wall of a room, at the base of a chimney, etc, for a fire; hearth
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an authorized place or installation for outside cooking, esp by a roadside
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of fireplace
Explanation
A fireplace is a structure built into the wall of a house or building where a flame can be safely kindled, providing warmth and a cozy atmosphere, especially on cold nights. Often made of brick, stone, or metal, a fireplace not only warms a room but also creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that offers relief from the cold. Historically, fireplaces were the heart of the home, essential for heating and cooking. In medieval times, they were often located in the center of the room, allowing the smoke to escape through a hole in the roof. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that chimneys became common, making fireplaces more efficient and less smoky.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
We went around the long dinner table, illuminated by a fireplace, and read what we’d scribbled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
On her fireplace, an ornate gilded mirror from the 1940s she found at Sunbeam Vintage is flanked by porcelain figurines.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
Upon entering the abode, guests are greeted with a charming living area with a cozy fireplace and large windows.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026
Local property owner Jon Janikies testified that the bill would allow the public to “destroy” his entire outdoor patio, “which I have enhanced with an outdoor bed, sink, television, fireplace, tables and chairs.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
Nathan tried not to think of all the eyes watching him as he walked to the fireplace, closer to Pond, who hocked up a thick clump of mucus.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Inside, the serene space boasts two fireplaces, two sitting rooms, an open kitchen, and four bedrooms.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026
Uniformed doormen greet guests at the entrance, while chandeliers, fireplaces and classic architectural details reinforce the hotel’s historic character.
From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026
The brownstone has fireplaces, and all the woodwork is original.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
People are urged to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioners and air purifiers, and avoid introducing further air pollution with grilling or fireplaces.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026
Logs burned day and night in fireplaces despite the oppressive heat, and gunpowder and other noxious chemicals were tossed in frequently.
From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
