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

Read on for a glimpse at the history of the Cape Cod haven where generations of Kennedys have gathered to spend time together, celebrate, and seek comfort in times of grief. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026

But by sitting out the eye-popping spending spree that its peers are engaged in, Apple has become a relative safe haven, Bloomberg reported recently. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026

Plant Natives Make your backyard or front lawn a haven for many avian species simply by choosing the right plants. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026

Central banks are still buying at record levels, investor appetite for safe-haven assets remains strong and major institutions and analysts have gold price forecasts that sit well above the current price by year-end. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 25 Feb. 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