hearth in WordNet English dictionary

1. an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
   "the fireplace was so large you could walk inside it"; "he laid a fire in the hearth and lit it"; "the hearth was black with the charcoal of many fires"
   fireplace  hearth  open fireplace 
   
2. home symbolized as a part of the fireplace
   "driven from hearth and home"; "fighting in defense of their firesides"
   hearth  fireside 
   
3. an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)
   "they sat on the hearth and warmed themselves before the fire"
   hearth  fireside