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

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

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

Dionysus/Hestia The final seat in Olympus has two contenders: Dionysus, God of wine and ecstasy, and Hestia, goddess of the family hearth. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025

Though the outside world vies for your attention, your own hearth has a stronger magnetic pull on you in January. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024

The tradition originated with the medieval European custom of burning a massive hardwood log in the hearth during holidays from Christmas Eve through Twelfth Night. —Nicole Sours Larson, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024

Not everyone has a hearth or fireplace, so the digital version of a Yule log comes in handy for anyone looking to evoke some festive feelings. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

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

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