Mantel

/ˈmæntəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A shelf or structural piece of wood, stone, or metal above a fireplace.

The family gathered around the fireplace, admiring the beautiful decorations on the mantel.

The inner surface of a fireplace surround, often decorative.

The mantel was adorned with family photographs and candles.

A covering or cape, especially in a literary or historical context.

In the story, the hero wore a regal mantel as he addressed the crowd.

Middle English mantell, from Old French mantel, from Latin mantellum, meaning 'cloak' or 'covering'.

mantel piece:

The decorative framework around a fireplace.

An informal term for something that is considered to be on the 'back burner' or secondary.

That project is on the mantel now until we finish our main tasks.