mantelpiece.

The shelf and ornamental surround above and around a fireplace.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• marble mantelpiece
• mantelpiece clock
• photographs on the mantelpiece

On the page

A photograph of the missing brother stood on the mantelpiece.

She wiped soot from the marble mantelpiece before the guests arrived.

The mantelpiece survived the renovation, though the fireplace was sealed.

Usage notes

Primary category: architecture. Can mean just the shelf in everyday use; distinguish from the hearth below the fire. Count noun: mantelpieces.