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 of haven

• harbor
• port
• anchorage

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

Kidding, but no matter what the season, your house will always somehow become a haven for dust and debris. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Jia wants Pingyao to remain a haven for cinephiles rather than a hall of fame. — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026

From mountain retreats to waterfront havens, these beautiful spots are a balm for your physical and mental health. — Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026

Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

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

• safe 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