hearth meaning

hearth as a noun

1. an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
   • the fireplace was so large you could walk inside it
   • he laid a fire in the hearth and lit it
   • the hearth was black with the charcoal of many fires

   Synonyms: fireplace, open fireplace

   Type of: recess

   Kinds: fire

2. home symbolized as a part of the fireplace
   • driven from hearth and home
   • fighting in defense of their firesides

   Synonyms: fireside

   Type of: dwelling

3. an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)
   • they sat on the hearth and warmed themselves before the fire

   Synonyms: fireside

   Type of: area

How to pronounce hearth

hearth is pronounced /hɑːθ/ in British English and /hɑrθ/ in American English. It has 1 syllable.