hearth

[ hahrth ]

noun

1. the floor of a fireplace, usually of stone, brick, etc., often extending a short distance into a room.
2. home; fireside:

   the joys of family and hearth.

   Synonyms: house, abode, household

3. Metallurgy.
   1. the lower part of a blast furnace, cupola, etc., in which the molten metal collects and from which it is tapped out.
   2. the part of an open hearth, reverberatory furnace, etc., upon which the charge is placed and melted down or refined.
4. a brazier or chafing dish for burning charcoal.

hearth

/ hɑːθ /

noun

1. 1. the floor of a fireplace, esp one that extends outwards into the room
   2. ( as modifier )

      hearth rug

2. this part of a fireplace as a symbol of the home, etc
3. the bottom part of a metallurgical furnace in which the molten metal is produced or contained

Other Words From

• hearthless adjective
• multi·hearth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearth¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English herth(e), Old English he(o)rth; cognate with German Herd, Dutch haard

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearth¹

Old English heorth; related to Old High German herd hearth, Latin carbō charcoal

Example Sentences

I know the hearth is a massive component of the Dabney, and as far as I can tell, practically every single dish you put out.

From Salon

The Middle Pleistocene also shows consistent evidence of controlled use of fire, hearths and domestic spaces, likely essential components of the development of cumulative culture.

From Science Daily

Despite fathers in the study having worse hearth health in older age, the study found they actually have lower rates of death than nonfathers.

From Science Daily

A log fire snapping in a hearth here on the ocean deep!

From Literature

But Horn prized the comforts of hearth and community, and she had the benefit of plentiful local scene in Washington, where she had become a linchpin.

From New York Times

Related Words

• fireplace