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 of haven

• harbor
• port
• anchorage

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

For over three decades the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora has been a haven for women immigrants who want to learn English in a safe and supportive environment. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

When their safe haven in Greenland is destroyed, the Garritys, along with a few other survivors, are forced to flee. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 10 Jan. 2026

Prison overseers intended the yards to be safe havens from the cutthroat prison politics that beset most main yards. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

And, as economic uncertainty persists and investors seek safe-haven assets, the precious metal has become an increasingly attractive option for those looking to diversify their portfolios or protect their wealth against inflation. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for haven

• craven
• flavin
• graven
• maven
• pavan
• raven
• shaven
• engraven
• unshaven
• riboflavin

Kids Definition

haven

noun

ha·​ven ˈhā-vən 

1

: harbor entry 1 sense 2, port

2

: a place of safety : shelter