1. the floors of fireplaces, typically made of stone or brick
2. homes or households, especially as places of warmth and comfort
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The old cottage had stone hearths in every room.
• She swept the ashes from the hearths each morning.
• The soldiers longed to return to their own hearths.
• Warm hearths welcomed the travelers after their long journey.
• The inn’s hearths glowed with crackling fires.
• Many families gathered around their hearths during winter evenings.