mantel

noun

man·​tel ˈman-tᵊl How to pronounce mantel (audio)
1
a
: a beam, stone, or arch serving as a lintel to support the masonry above a fireplace
b
: the finish around a fireplace
2
: a shelf above a fireplace

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Mantle vs. Mantel

Keeping mantel and mantle straight is relatively simple.

Mantel in modern English largely does one job: it refers to the shelf above a fireplace. You can remember it by thinking of the "el" in both mantel and shelf.

Mantle on the other hand, does many jobs, including a number that are technical or scientific. Its most common uses are to refer to a literal cloak, mostly of the kind worn in days of yore ("she drew her mantle tighter"), and to a figurative cloak symbolizing authority or importance ("taking on the mantle of the museum's directorship"). It also refers to a general covering in literary uses like "wet earth covered in a mantle of leaves" or "a past shrouded in a mantle of secrecy." And it's also the term for the middle layer of the Earth between the crust and the inner core.

There is, however, a catch to these distinctions: mantle is sometimes used (especially in American English) to refer to the shelf above a fireplace as well—that is, as a synonym of mantel.

This isn't terribly surprising, given the histories of the words. They both derive from the Latin word mantellum, which refers both to a cloak and to a beam or stone supporting the masonry above a fireplace. The words came into use in English a couple centuries apart, but were for a time in the past nothing more than spelling variants.

While it's certainly simpler to use mantle in all cases, mantel is significantly more common as the choice for the shelf, which means it's the safer choice in those cases.

Examples of mantel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are six vintage marble mantels, two of which can be wood burning. Mark David, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Her fireplace mantel — which was originally in the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City — is one of the most special additions to the room. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Wardman created her fireplace focal point with a plaster bump-out, a vintage slab of wood repurposed from a railroad tie as a mantel, and a basket full of picturesque logs inside the hearth. Hannah Holland, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 The grand corridor features 200-year-old, hand-hewn beams, and the primary living area boasts its original federal-style flooring, mantels, banister, and trim. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 18 Jan. 2024 The interior was elegant with lace curtains, crimson velvet and green plush, gilt mirrors, gold and bronze chandeliers and marble mantels. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2024 Old-school scales are the perfect vintage Easter decorations for your kitchen or arranged on your springtime mantel. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2024 Top off your design with accents like a chiming mantel clock, found in many Parisian homes. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 Add a mantel Building your own mantel is an arguably easier DIY task than crafting the entire opening. Hannah Holland, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mantel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, mantle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantel was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mantel

Cite this Entry

“Mantel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mantel

noun
man·​tel ˈmant-ᵊl How to pronounce mantel (audio)
: the beam, stone, arch, or shelf above a fireplace

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