English Reference
noun · verb

mantle

n. · v.
US /ˈmæntəɫ/ UK /mˈɑːntəl/ man·tle UK spelling mantle's, mantle's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.the thick layer of hot rock inside the Earth, located between the outer crust and the core.

    n.the region of the earth's interior between the crust and the core, believed to consist of hot, solid rock.

    Simple

    Scientists study how heat moves through the Earth's mantle to understand volcanoes.

    In context

    Convection currents within the mantle are the primary drivers of tectonic plate movement over millions of years.

    Usage

    Usually used with 'the'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a position of authority or a specific job that is passed from one person to another.

    n.a figurative garment representing authority, leadership, or a specific role, typically inherited from a predecessor.

    Simple

    The young prince was ready to take on the mantle of leadership.

    In context

    After the CEO retired, the former vice president struggled to assume the mantle of authority during the economic crisis.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'take on the mantle' or 'assume the mantle'.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a layer of something that covers a surface, like snow or darkness.

    n.anything that covers, conceals, or envelops a surface or object.

    Simple

    A thick mantle of snow covered the fields during the night.

    In context

    The valley was hidden beneath a heavy mantle of fog that didn't lift until late afternoon.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    n.a long, loose piece of clothing without sleeves, worn over other clothes like a cape.

    n.a loose, sleeveless cloak or shawl, historically worn as an outer garment.

    Simple

    The statue was draped in a heavy velvet mantle.

    In context

    The high priest donned a ceremonial mantle embroidered with gold thread for the solstice celebration.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.the part of a soft animal, like a snail or clam, that makes its shell.

    n.the dorsal body wall of a mollusc which covers the visceral mass and usually secretes the shell.

    Simple

    The snail's mantle helps it grow a strong shell for protection.

    In context

    In many cephalopods, the mantle is a highly muscular organ used for jet propulsion through the water.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.a small mesh bag in a gas lamp that glows brightly when heated.

    n.a mesh of metal nitrates that forms a fragile oxide lattice, producing incandescent light when heated by a flame.

    Simple

    Be careful not to touch the lantern's mantle, as it is very fragile.

    In context

    The camping lantern required a new mantle after the old one crumbled during transport.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency Literary

    v.to cover or hide something completely.

    v.to cover, envelop, or conceal a surface; often used in a literary context regarding shadows or nature.

    Simple

    Darkness began to mantle the hills as the sun went down.

    In context

    Vines and ivy had grown to mantle the ruins of the old abbey, hiding the stones from view.

Park won four titles and his mantle was taken over in 2015 by Son Heung-min at Spurs.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

The main process enriching these magmas with gold appears to be high-degree, multi-stage melting of a water-rich and oxidized mantle.

ScienceDaily· 29 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated