fireplace
Americannoun
-
the part of a chimney that opens into a room and in which fuel is burned; hearth.
-
any open structure, usually of masonry, for keeping a fire, as at a campsite.
noun
-
an open recess in a wall of a room, at the base of a chimney, etc, for a fire; hearth
-
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:
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
Video from the podcast showed Paxton seated in front of a fireplace and mantle that were nearly identical to those depicted in the home’s online real estate listing.
From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026
The “great room” — the home’s centerpiece — hosts a two-story fireplace with a glowing water feature mimicking rainfall above it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
The primary suite is magnificent, with a floating fireplace and a glass-windowed wall that opens to a private balcony.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 9, 2026
“Mr. Pinkerton was impressed by what he calls your ‘mastery of disguise’ in both the fortune-teller case and the Maroney adventure,” Aunt Kitty said, her hand slowly running a dustrag over the long fireplace mantel.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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
The Georgian-style, brick and stone home offers an array of gorgeous details, like glossy wood and stone floors, red lacquer walls in the formal dining room, and numerous fireplaces.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 25, 2026
In the evenings, as the frost-tinged night came on, the staff built fires of Elgon olive logs in the fireplaces, and the food in the dining room was horrible, in the best English tradition.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
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.
