fireplace
FEYE-uhp-lays
Fireplace (noun) means an open recess at the base of a chimney where a fire is built for heat. Example: “They gathered around the fireplace with mugs of hot chocolate.”
noun
1
An open recess at the base of a chimney where a fire is built for heat.
"They gathered around the fireplace with mugs of hot chocolate."
"Logs crackled in the fireplace all evening."
"The cottage had a stone fireplace big enough to sit inside."
How to use fireplace
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe built-in hearth where a household fire burns.
Common pairings
crackling fireplace
sit by the fireplace
light the fireplace
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Word forms
- Plural
- fireplaces
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They gathered around the _____ with mugs of hot chocolate.
Etymology
From fire and place.
Related words
Rhymes for fireplace
See all rhymes for fireplace →Frequently asked questions
What does “fireplace” mean?
The word “fireplace” means an open recess at the base of a chimney where a fire is built for heat. In plain terms, the built-in hearth where a household fire burns.
How do you pronounce “fireplace”?
“Fireplace” is pronounced FEYE-uhp-lays (/ˈfaɪɹpleɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “fireplace” in a sentence?
Here is “fireplace” used in a sentence: “They gathered around the fireplace with mugs of hot chocolate.”
What part of speech is “fireplace”?
“Fireplace” is a noun.
Is “fireplace” a common word?
“Fireplace” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a fireplace and a hearth?
A fireplace is the whole recessed structure and chimney where a fire is built, while a hearth is specifically the floor or platform in front of and inside it, usually made of stone or brick. The hearth is one part of a fireplace, not a synonym for it.
What is the difference between a fireplace and a wood stove?
A fireplace is built into a wall with an open recess and a chimney, while a stove is a free-standing, enclosed unit that can be placed almost anywhere a flue can be vented. Enclosed stoves are generally more fuel-efficient than an open fireplace fire.
Can a fireplace burn gas or run on electricity instead of wood?
Yes, many modern fireplaces use gas logs or electric inserts rather than burning wood, but the term still describes the recess or surround built for that purpose. The word originally referred to open wood fires but has broadened as heating technology changed.
