mantelpiece

Everyday

1. A mantelpiece is the shelf above a fireplace, often with ornaments, clocks, cards or photos on it. tree →
2. The frame around a fireplace. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories it is a cosy home detail: birthday cards, Christmas stockings and family photos often sit on the mantelpiece. In detective stories, a clue is often found "on the mantelpiece". Phrases: «on the mantelpiece», «above the mantelpiece».

Examples

• Grandma keeps our school photos on the mantelpiece. tree →
• The clock on the mantelpiece struck six. tree →
• We hung our Christmas stockings from the mantelpiece. tree →
• The birthday cards were lined up along the mantelpiece. tree →
• The detective found a key hidden behind a vase on the mantelpiece. tree →
• A painting hung above the mantelpiece. tree →
• It revelled in its liberty, and presently flew up on to the mantelpiece and screamed away to its heart's content. tree →

Note

Countable noun, one word. Spelling: mantEL (not mantle). American English often says «mantel». Safety: don't put things that can burn, or hang stockings, too close to a lit fire.