haven

noun

ha·​ven ˈhā-vən How to pronounce haven (audio)
1
2
: a place of safety : refuge
3
: a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions
a haven for artists
haven transitive verb

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
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.
In past years, Butterworth’s might’ve been a safe haven for a movement that still saw itself in opposition to the establishment. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 The price of gold climbed to a record high of more than $3,400 per ounce on Monday, extending gains achieved in recent weeks as investors have sought out investments perceived as safe havens. Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025 Against a top lineup, Wrigley Field played like an offensive haven Friday. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025 This renowned event transforms the charming coastal town into a haven for classic car aficionados, drawing thousands of visitors to admire an impressive array of vintage vehicles against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haven

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

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

Cite this Entry

“Haven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haven. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

haven

noun
ha·​ven ˈhā-vən How to pronounce haven (audio)
1
2
: a place of safety : shelter

More from Merriam-Webster on haven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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