What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mantelpiece
Example
She decorated the mantelpiece with family photos and candles. [mantelpiece: noun]
Example
The clock on the mantelpiece chimed midnight. [mantelpiece: noun]
chimneypiece
Example
The intricate carvings on the chimneypiece added elegance to the room. [chimneypiece: noun]
Example
He sat on the hearth of the chimneypiece, warming his hands by the fire. [chimneypiece: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mantelpiece is more commonly used in British English, while chimneypiece is more common in American English. Both words are used interchangeably in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mantelpiece and chimneypiece?
Both mantelpiece and chimneypiece are formal words, typically used in written or spoken language that requires a higher level of formality.
