haven

noun

ha·​ven ˈhā-vən 

1

: harbor, port

2

: a place of safety : refuge

3

: a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

a haven for artists

haven transitive verb

Synonyms

• anchorage
• harbor
• harborage
• port

Examples of haven in a Sentence

The shelter offers a haven from abusive spouses.

The inn is a haven for weary travelers.

This national park provides a safe haven for wildlife.

Recent Examples on the Web

From savings on warehouse club memberships to local experiences like bowling or spa packages, Groupon is a haven for effortless holiday shopping! —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

From sulfur-rich vents teeming with hardy microorganisms to birds nesting in the thermal warmth of volcanic craters, these animals have turned volatile environments into havens of opportunity. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

The Palace Green home, located in a highly affluent area of Kensington, seemed a secure haven. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

These holiday havens go all out for the season, breaking out their festive best with thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights, impressive window displays, and garland galore. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hæfen; akin to Middle High German habene harbor

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing haven

• tax haven

Kids Definition

haven

noun

ha·​ven ˈhā-vən 

1

: harbor entry 1 sense 2, port

2

: a place of safety : shelter