First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
hearth
noun \ˈhärth\
: the floor in front of or inside a fireplace
Full Definition of HEARTH
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
3
: a vital or creative center <the central hearth of occidental civilization — A. L. Kroeber>
See hearth defined for English-language learners
See hearth defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HEARTH
Middle English herth, from Old English heorth; akin to Old High German herd hearth, and probably to Sanskrit kūḍayāti he scorches
Related to HEARTH
Rhymes with HEARTH
HEARTH Defined for Kids
hearth
noun \ˈhärth\
Definition of HEARTH for Kids
1
: an area (as of brick) in front of a fireplace
2
: the floor of a fireplace
Learn More About HEARTH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: heart–healthyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: heartfulAll Words Near: hearth
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up hearth? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).