heaven

noun heav·en \ ˈhe-vən \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Examples: heaven in a Sentence

Definition of heaven

1 : the expanse of space that seems to be over the earth like a dome : firmament —usually used in plural

the brightest star in the heavens

2 a often capitalized : the dwelling place of the Deity and the blessed dead

hopes to go to Heaven when she dies

b : a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God

3 capitalized : god 1

Heaven help us.

4 : a place or condition of utmost happiness : something that is very pleasant or enjoyable

Our week at the spa was sheer heaven.

5 Christian Science : a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of divine Mind (see ¹mind 8) is manifest

See heaven defined for English-language learners

See heaven defined for kids

Examples of heaven in a Sentence

She prayed to God in Heaven.
He hopes to go to Heaven when he dies.
Our baby is a gift from heaven.
the brightest star in the heavens

Recent Examples of heaven from the Web

We are supposed to move heaven and earth, and spare no expense.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "The world shows its love to kids in a Thai cave. We need that same love for kids at the border | Will Bunch," 8 July 2018
While Nanduri notes that a Shooting Star show has more customization options and less of an environmental impact than pointing colorful boom-rockets toward the heavens, the drones come with some caveats.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "For a More Inclusive Fourth of July Show, Send in the Drones," 4 July 2018
Struggled in the first round, handed a gift from the heavens in the knockout phase: Russia in the round of 16, followed by Croatia or Denmark.

— mark zeigler, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Winners, losers, trends and lessons from the World Cup's first round," 28 June 2018
So dust of those binoculars, and turn your gaze toward the heavens.

— National Geographic, "Naked-Eye Asteroid and More Can't-Miss Sky Events in June," 1 June 2018
Urged on by elders who should have shielded her — a protective father at least tried to save Icarus — Houston ascended the summit of superstardom not to graze the heavens but to escape her demons down on earth.

— graham ambrose, BostonGlobe.com, "Darkness and light in Whitney Houston documentary," 4 July 2018
The show also features unforgettable portraits and cityscapes, though heaven remains the focal point.

— New York Times, "24 Art Exhibitions to View in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 28 June 2018
And word spread until the entire world had heard about a possible heaven on Earth - although not in enough detail.

— elizabeth chang, chicagotribune.com, "Your friends in Hawaii are probably safe from the volcano on the Big Island. Here's why.," 16 May 2018
On the surface, 1979's The Right Stuff is about the first American astronauts, men hand-selected from a pool of military fighter jet pilots to race against the Soviets and conquer the heavens.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "You Should Read "The Right Stuff"," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heaven.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of heaven

Middle English heven, from Old English heofon; akin to Old High German himil heaven

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

heaven Synonyms

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

HEAVEN Defined for English Language Learners

heaven

noun

Definition of heaven for English Language Learners

: the place where God lives and where good people go after they die according to some religions
: something that is very pleasant or good
the heavens : the sky