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

Saint Vitus, a metal-and-hardcore haven that closed in 2024 in Greenpoint, will reopen next month in a space roughly double its former size off the Jefferson L stop in Bushwick. — Michael Calderone, Curbed, 4 Sep. 2026

Her bed is Amal’s haven after a long day’s work, where the two can joke, watch TV, and relax in unaffected warmth. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026

The price of gold, which is typically considered a safe-haven asset at times of financial uncertainty, has jumped nearly 25% over the past 12 months. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Trade the bustle of the country’s big cities for the golden beaches, charming villages, lush vineyards, and unhurried rhythm of this Mediterranean haven. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 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

• safe 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