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

[ Syn: fireplace , open fireplace ]

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

[ Syn: fireside ]

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

[ Syn: fireside ]