heaven

noun

heav·​en ˈhe-vən How to pronounce heaven (audio)
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 sense 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 mind entry 1 sense 8) is manifest

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The juxtaposition of that crunch melding with the soft and creamy casserole is pure texture heaven. Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 The artist who made Day of the Dead matter. Between heaven and earth, a spirited communion on Day of the Dead. Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 Munk plans to serve a meal on one of the flights, accompanying six high-paying guests and a pilot into the heavens. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 Fernando Valenzuela’s famous windup involved rotating his slender legs and broad, burly chest, eyes gazing to the heavens. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heaven 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heaven was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near heaven

Cite this Entry

“Heaven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heaven. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

heaven

noun
heav·​en ˈhev-ən How to pronounce heaven (audio)
1
: sky sense 1
usually used in plural
2
often capitalized : the dwelling place of God and of the blessed dead
3
: a place or condition of complete happiness

More from Merriam-Webster on heaven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!