mantel

or man·tle

[ man-tl ]

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.

mantel

/ ˈmæntəl /

noun

1. a wooden or stone frame around the opening of a fireplace, together with its decorative facing
2. Also calledmantel shelf a shelf above this frame

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantel¹

1480–90; earlier mantell mantelet; variant of mantle

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantel¹

C15: from French, variant of mantle

Example Sentences

Inside, a golden “V” for Vance sat atop a living room mantel.

From Los Angeles Times

Two years ago, Long Beach artist Dave Clark exhibited a small sculpture of his called “Together. Forever. Maybe. Regret” at the local Mantel Gallery — itself a small, repurposed Little Free Library that does double duty: When it’s not filled with books, it displays the works of artists like Clark.

From Los Angeles Times

"You can be merry with the king, you can share a joke with him," Mantel writes in Bring Up The Bodies.

From BBC

A framed “7th Heaven” poster rested on the mantel behind them.

From Los Angeles Times

They will appreciate the handful of original songs, which she wrote with the music director Todd Almond — Benanti is a fabulous singer, with a Tony Award on her mantel for her sultry turn as Louise in “Gypsy.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• mantelpiece