mantel

noun

man·​tel ˈman-tᵊl 

1

a

: a beam, stone, or arch serving as a lintel to support the masonry above a fireplace

b

: the finish around a fireplace

2

: a shelf above a fireplace

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Mantle vs. Mantel

Keeping mantel and mantle straight is relatively simple.

Mantel in modern English largely does one job: it refers to the shelf above a fireplace. You can remember it by thinking of the "el" in both mantel and shelf.

Mantle on the other hand, does many jobs, including a number that are technical or scientific. Its most common uses are to refer to a literal cloak, mostly of the kind worn in days of yore ("she drew her mantle tighter"), and to a figurative cloak symbolizing authority or importance ("taking on the mantle of the museum's directorship"). It also refers to a general covering in literary uses like "wet earth covered in a mantle of leaves" or "a past shrouded in a mantle of secrecy." And it's also the term for the middle layer of the Earth between the crust and the inner core.

There is, however, a catch to these distinctions: mantle is sometimes used (especially in American English) to refer to the shelf above a fireplace as well—that is, as a synonym of mantel.

This isn't terribly surprising, given the histories of the words. They both derive from the Latin word mantellum, which refers both to a cloak and to a beam or stone supporting the masonry above a fireplace. The words came into use in English a couple centuries apart, but were for a time in the past nothing more than spelling variants.

While it's certainly simpler to use mantle in all cases, mantel is significantly more common as the choice for the shelf, which means it's the safer choice in those cases.

Examples of mantel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The faux stonework inside the mantel is another gorgeous touch that won’t clash thanks to its light gray coloring. —Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2024

Add it to your mantel or even a tablescape to feel festive without needing to forage for decor. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Drape them across mantels, windows, or railings for a frosty, magical effect. —Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024

Years ago, Noah acquired a statue of it at an auction, which now proudly sits on his fireplace mantel. —Noel Burgess, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, mantle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

mantel

noun

man·​tel ˈmant-ᵊl 

: the beam, stone, arch, or shelf above a fireplace