the haves
plural noun
: people who have a lot of money and possessions : wealthy people
—usually used in the phrase the haves and the have-nots
the gap between the haves and the have-nots
Examples of the haves in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Inequality is cleaving the haves and the have-nots.
—
Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
The Hamptons remain starkly divided between the haves and the have-nots, and Ruiz is addressing both.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
Anchorage resident Gerard Leone is a perfect example of how travel to and from Southern California will be split this summer between the haves and the have-nots.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Retirement is yet another dividing line between the haves and have-nots.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the haves
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.
Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
The Hamptons remain starkly divided between the haves and the have-nots, and Ruiz is addressing both.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
Anchorage resident Gerard Leone is a perfect example of how travel to and from Southern California will be split this summer between the haves and the have-nots.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Retirement is yet another dividing line between the haves and have-nots.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the haves
Cite this Entry
“The haves.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20haves. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
