hearth

noun

1
a
: a brick, stone, or concrete area in front of a fireplace
b
: the floor of a fireplace
also : fireplace
c
: the lowest section of a furnace
especially : the section of a furnace on which the ore or metal is exposed to the flame or heat
2
: home
longed for the comforts of hearth and home
3
: a vital or creative center
the central hearth of occidental civilizationA. L. Kroeber

Examples of hearth in a Sentence

They swept the ashes from the hearth. all were welcome, friends and strangers alike, to their humble hearth
Recent Examples on the Web Archaeologists also identified a hearth used for melting bronze. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024 In addition to the building's remains, the team found evidence of forgery equipment, such as hearth lining and an iron bar, and tiny bits of metal that would have flown off as the blacksmith hammered the iron, according to a statement from Earth Trust. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Appetizers range from $19 to $26, Pyro plates from $24 to $43, hearth items $39 to $69 and sides are $16 to $19. The Arizona Republic, 1 Feb. 2024 Most of the menu has been touched by the hearth in some way. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Inside, archaeologists found traces of a hearth, metal waste materials, iron bars and a tuyere, the organization said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2024 Experts Explain the History and Design Styles History of Keeping Rooms The history of this room dates back to the late 18th century when people built keeping rooms (sometimes called hearth rooms) next to their kitchens for warmth. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2023 More than 1,100 years ago, a family gathered around the glowing embers of the hearth in the center of their 800-square-foot home in England. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Wardman created her fireplace focal point with a plaster bump-out, a vintage slab of wood repurposed from a railroad tie as a mantel, and a basket full of picturesque logs inside the hearth. Hannah Holland, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hearth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herth, from Old English heorth; akin to Old High German herd hearth, and probably to Sanskrit kūḍayāti he scorches

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hearth was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hearth

Cite this Entry

“Hearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearth. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hearth

noun
1
a
: the area in front of a fireplace
b
: the floor of a fireplace
c
: the lowest section of a blast furnace
2

More from Merriam-Webster on hearth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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