1. An open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
   "he laid a fire in the hearth and lit it"; "the hearth was black with the charcoal of many fires";
   - fireplace, open fireplace
    
2. Home symbolized as a part of the fireplace
   "driven from hearth and home";
   - fireside
    
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";
   - fireside

Derived forms: hearths

Type of: abode, area, country, domicil [rare], domicile, dwelling, dwelling house, habitation, home, niche, recess

Part of: chimney

Encyclopedia: Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association