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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for hearth

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

Cite this Entry

“Hearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearth. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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