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
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.
Series one was filmed in the identical unit next door, which is occupied by a fireplace business, but for series two it was easier to move Capper's bike shop.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
A particularly intriguing finding involves a charcoal drawing discovered on the fireplace mantle of an old building in Vinci, once known as the Bracci house.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
And his Dodgers teammates put runs on the board like they were logs in the fireplace, scoring at least one run every inning until the sixth inning en route to a breezy 7-1 victory.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
The living room is also equipped with a fireplace to add an extra layer of comfort.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
I burned most of them in the fireplace.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
