hearth

noun

ˈhärth 

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 civilization.

—A. L. Kroeber

Synonyms of hearth

• residence
• dwelling
• abode
• house
• roof
• home
• lodging
• place
• housing

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

Instead, there’s a long porch for contemplating, a wood hearth, an abundance of antiques to appreciate, a big kitchen, and a dining table that seats at least 10 from the looks of it. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2026

A little soot is to be expected at the Georgetown restaurant, whose open kitchen is taken up by a very large metal hearth. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 23 July 2026

The solar spotlight turns toward the inner hearth, highlighting your emotional landscape and home life. — Usa Today, USA Today, 22 July 2026

One accommodation felt like a suite fit for a king with a stone hearth, antlers anchored to the wall and a four-poster bed frame. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing hearth

• hearth and home
• open-hearth
• open-hearth process

Rhymes for hearth

• garth

Kids Definition

hearth

noun

ˈhärth 

1

a

: the area in front of a fireplace

b

: the floor of a fireplace

c

: the lowest section of a blast furnace

2

: home entry 1 sense 1a