mantel
Americannoun
-
a construction framing the opening of a fireplace and usually covering part of the chimney breast in a more or less decorative manner.
-
Also called mantelshelf. a shelf above a fireplace opening.
noun
-
a wooden or stone frame around the opening of a fireplace, together with its decorative facing
-
Also called: mantel shelf. a shelf above this frame
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
Explanation
A mantel is a shelf that sticks out just above a fireplace. People often put trophies and pictures on their mantel. If your house has a fireplace, chances are you also have a mantel. A mantel is a handy place to display anything you like looking at or want to show off to visitors. Trophies and prizes are common things to find on a mantel, as are pictures of family and friends. If you want people to see something, put it on the mantel.
Vocabulary lists containing mantel
Learning Down The House: Parts of Your Home
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Chains
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Commonly Confused Words, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel."
From BBC • May 19, 2026
It’s for the mantel, for our boys,’” Song revealed.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026
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 • Nov. 3, 2025
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 • Oct. 17, 2025
Mrs. Wright gave the photo one last long look, then set it back on the mantel and angled it carefully, wiped a speck of dust from the glass.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
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.
