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

“What is it with rich people and mallards?” he asks, noting several on a mantel.

From The Wall Street Journal

His new foster family, the Finnegans, seemed nice enough if you only looked at the photos on the fireplace mantel—a mother, a father, and two kids of their own.

From Literature

She scoffed and stepped over to the fireplace, setting the black coffee tin on the mantel.

From Literature

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

Related Words

• mantelpiece