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

• 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

The room still features relics from centuries ago, including the fireplace once used for hearth cooking. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

The kitchen opens into a living room with vaulted ceilings, a stone hearth and wood-burning stove. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025

His decorations included reminders of past Sámi sacrificial traditions that took place both outdoors and around hearth fires. —Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025

Like a fireplace hearth, the range alcove creates a center focal point, flanking or framing the range and cooktop as the star of the space. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025

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