heaven

noun

heav·​en ˈhe-vən 

1

: the expanse of space that seems to be over the earth like a dome : firmament

—usually used in plural

the brightest star in the heavens

2

a

often capitalized : the dwelling place of the Deity and the blessed dead

hopes to go to Heaven when she dies

b

: a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God

3

capitalized : god sense 1

Heaven help us.

4

: a place or condition of utmost happiness : something that is very pleasant or enjoyable

Our week at the spa was sheer heaven.

5

Christian Science : a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of divine Mind (see mind entry 1 sense 8) is manifest

Synonyms

• above
• bliss
• elysian fields
• Elysium
• empyrean
• kingdom come
• New Jerusalem
• paradise
• sky
• Zion
• Sion

Examples of heaven in a Sentence

She prayed to God in Heaven.

He hopes to go to Heaven when he dies.

Our baby is a gift from heaven.

the brightest star in the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

The heavens are encouraging us to reassess our most significant plans and goals, perhaps calling us to review them once more in order to reach their greatest potential. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024

The Himalayas not only reach up into the heavens but plunge deep into the mantle beneath, with a mountain root that reaches some 155 miles below the surface. —Carly Miller, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

While the heavens above can often reflect this same vision, with the stars and planets moving onward into new territory, the sky also has wisdom for us, too. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024

In one motion, Hunter leaped about five feet, extending one arm to the heavens. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heven, from Old English heofon; akin to Old High German himil heaven

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing heaven

• (a) heaven on earth
• a marriage made in heaven
• a match made in heaven
• for heaven's sake
• God/heaven forbid
• God/Lord/heaven help (someone)
• heaven knows
• heaven's above
• heaven-sent
• hog heaven
• in heaven's name
• in seventh heaven
• like heaven
• made in heaven
• move heaven and earth
• seventh heaven
• stinks to high heaven
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord
• to high heaven
• tree of heaven

Kids Definition

heaven

noun

heav·​en ˈhev-ən 

1

: sky sense 1

—usually used in plural

2

often capitalized : the dwelling place of God and of the blessed dead

3

: a place or condition of complete happiness