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

Lawrence looks like Main Street perfection — a vibrant haven of craft breweries, indie bookstores and historic hotels. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Investing in gold can diversify your portfolio, as it's seen as a safe-haven investment during times of uncertainty or turmoil and as an inflation hedge. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 July 2026

California’s Malibu has become a haven for high-profile figures, with Oakley founder Jim Jannard and megawatt musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z spending up to $210 million on real estate in the coastal city in the past three years. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

From a tiny island nestled within a Tuscan archipelago, to a quiet Greek haven at the southern tip of the Peloponnese, these are our favourites. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 July 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