variants
or British harbour
plural harbors
1
: a part of the ocean, a lake, etc., that is next to land and that is protected and deep enough to provide safety for ships
2
: a place of safety and comfort : haven
—often used in the phrase safe harbor
She can always find (a) safe harbor in her home.
variants
or British harbour
harbors; harbored; harboring
1
: to give shelter to (someone) : to hide and protect (someone)
It is illegal to harbor an escaped convict.
2
: to have (something, such as a thought or feeling) in your mind for a long time
He still harbors deep feelings of resentment toward his former employer.
I don't harbor any illusions about our chances for success.
harbor a grudge
harbor doubts/bitterness
3
: to hold or contain (something)
She studies the genetic material harbored in a cell's nucleus.
Some of these animals may harbor disease that could affect humans.
Cite this Entry
“Harbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/harbor. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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