hearth

hearth

noun \ˈhärth\

Definition of HEARTH

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

3

: a vital or creative center <the central hearth of occidental civilization — A. L. Kroeber>

Examples of HEARTH

1. They swept the ashes from the hearth.
2. <all were welcome, friends and strangers alike, to their humble hearth>

Origin of HEARTH

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 12th century

Related to HEARTH

Synonyms

abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, fireside, habitation, home, hearthstone, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof

Related Words

accommodations, housing, nest, residency, shelter; bungalow, cabin, casita, chalet, cottage; duplex, ranch, ranch house, saltbox, semi [chiefly British], split level, townhome, town house, tract house, triplex; apartment, apartment house, condominium, flat, tenement, tenement house, walk-up; penthouse, salon, suite; barracks, billet, boardinghouse, dorm, dormitory, lodging house, lodgment (or lodgement), room(s), rooming house; castle, château, countryseat, estate, hall, manor, manor house, mansion, palace, villa; farmhouse, grange, hacienda, homestead; double-wide, houseboat, house trailer, mobile home, motor home, recreational vehicle, trailer; hermitage, manse, parsonage, rectory, vicarage; hooch (or hootch) [slang], hovel, hut, hutch, shack, shanty

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, lath, transom, wainscot

Rhymes with HEARTH

garth