mantel

noun

man·tel | \ ˈman-tᵊl

Definition of mantel

1a : 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

Mantle vs. Mantel Example Sentences Learn More about mantel

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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

The adjoining family room features a gas fireplace nestled under the original wood mantel. — John Ellement, Boston.com Real Estate, "Home of the Week: Farmhand quarters serve as office suite in Needham antique," 21 Aug. 2019 The mantel and fireplace are key features in many living rooms. — Melissa Rolland, courant.com, "Staging Secrets For The Living Room," 26 June 2019 Try Origami White from Sherwin-Williams, with Anew Gray on the fireplace mantel for a bit of contrast. — Washington Post, "How to design a narrow living room around an inherited piano," 24 Aug. 2019 One room features a fireplace mantel signed by guests including Ernest Hemingway, Belgian novelist Georges Simenon, German Nobel Prize laureate Thomas Mann and Italian writers Giuseppe Antonio Borgese and Valentino Bompiani. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, "Donatella Versace drops $5.6 million on historic villa in northern Italy," 15 Aug. 2019 In the study of the Shaw Ranch, a black-and-white photo of wild horses sits on the fireplace mantel. — Jessica Dailey, ELLE Decor, "The Ultimate Guide to Infusing a Western-Chic Vibe Into Your Home," 1 Aug. 2019 Use a group of simple black frames on the mantel to display family photos. — Mari-jane Williams, Washington Post, "How to update a tired family room, starting with a fireplace refresh," 25 July 2019 Meryl Streep will add yet another industry accolade to her crowded mantel. — Joey Nolfi, EW.com, "Meryl Streep to receive Toronto International Film Festival's first Actor Award," 26 July 2019 Thread a few around your front porch, add some to the perimeter of your front door, or string one along your mantel for a festive effect your houseguests won't soon forget. — Rebekah Lowin, Country Living, "24 Best Halloween String Lights on the Market," 22 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mantel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for mantel

mantel

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mantel

chiefly US : the shelf above a fireplace

See the full definition for mantel in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mantel

noun

man·tel | \ ˈman-tᵊl

Kids Definition of mantel

: a shelf above a fireplace

Keep scrolling for more

mantel

Definition of mantel

Mantle vs. Mantel

Examples of mantel in a Sentence

First Known Use of mantel

History and Etymology for mantel

English Language Learners Definition of mantel

Kids Definition of mantel

mantel

Definition of mantel

Mantle vs. Mantel

Examples of mantel in a Sentence

First Known Use of mantel

History and Etymology for mantel

English Language Learners Definition of mantel

Kids Definition of mantel

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