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

• anchorage
• harbor
• harborage
• port

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

Offering everything from custom porcelain veneers to All-on-4 implants and Invisalign, Dr. Bri’s practice is a haven for those seeking not just oral health, but total smile transformation. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025

The home of about 400 year-round residents, who include fishermen and lobstermen, it’s long been a haven for those seeking peace, quiet and an escape from the heat, a world away from Portland. —Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Many of the institutions that Trump now threatens to curtail or destroy have made this country a democratic haven and cultural center for decades. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

Look to the new moon in Cancer (June 25) to set intentions around nurturing yourself and settling into your safe haven. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025

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