overmantel

American  

[oh-ver-man-tl] / ˈoʊ vərˌmæn tl /

adjective

1. situated above a mantelpiece.

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noun

1. an ornament or panel situated above a mantelpiece.

overmantel British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌmæntəl /

noun

1. an ornamental shelf over a mantelpiece, often with a mirror

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Etymology

Origin of overmantel

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + mantel

Example Sentences

The 16th Century linen-fold panelling, the fireplace overmantel and the carved and moulded ceiling beams were dismantled, crated up and sent to America.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2017

The Commander is standing in front of the fireless fireplace, back to it, one elbow on the carved wooden overmantel, other hand in his pocket.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

We will leave it where it is now, where it will lie, I dare say, until the crack of doom—behind the overmantel in the servants' parlour, gentlemen, with its back to the wall.

From Anthony Lyveden by Yates, Dornford

He found what he wanted presently, in a little blue cup on the overmantel, and in a few minutes he had fixed the switch to the wall.

From The Slave of Silence by White, Fred M. (Fred Merrick)

They were discussing a photograph on the overmantel, a photograph of children.

From Laid up in Lavender by Weyman, Stanley J.