mantel

American  

[man-tl] / ˈmæn tl /

Or mantle

noun

1. a construction framing the opening of a fireplace and usually covering part of the chimney breast in a more or less decorative manner.

2. Also called mantelshelf.  a shelf above a fireplace opening.

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mantel British  

/ ˈmæntəl /

noun

1. a wooden or stone frame around the opening of a fireplace, together with its decorative facing

2. Also called: mantel shelf.  a shelf above this frame

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Usage

What does mantel mean? A mantel is the frame around the opening of a fireplace.Mantel also commonly refers to a shelf above the fireplace (which may or may not be attached to the other kind of mantel). This shelf can also be called a mantelshelf.Both senses of mantel can also be spelled mantle. (The word mantle has many other meanings.)Synonyms for mantel include mantlepiece, mantelboard, and chimneypiece.Example: This mantel will need to be replaced since the wood is rotting, but the fireplace itself looks solid.

Etymology

Origin of mantel

1480–90; earlier mantell mantelet; variant of mantle

Example Sentences

Christmas often inspires visions of perfection: the geometrically precise tree, the artfully arranged mantel, the candlelit feast a flawless tableau.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last year, the Montclair, N.J.-based creative director rejoiced when she agreed to let him arrange a Lego winter village on their mantel.

From The Wall Street Journal

You can also ditch fresh, whole pumpkins and make fabric pumpkins, which can be displayed indoors on a mantel or as a centerpiece.

From Salon

Phil to take the mantel of the storied New York Philharmonic, his Mahler is neither overly exuberant nor constrained by grief and Berliner decorum.

From Los Angeles Times

The company’s clocks could once be found on Navy battleships during World War II, and adorned mantels, walls and desks at the White House for presidents ranging from Dwight Eisenhower to Joe Biden.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mantelpiece