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.
The lack of scientific rigor has nevertheless not stopped the order from having a chilling effect on some hospital administrations in states that have long been safe havens for gender-affirming care. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025 Membership to the coveted Lyford Cay Club, a haven for CEOs, industry titans, and A-list celebrities. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 As Ella and Doc Stewart became pillars of the community, Stewart’s Pharmacy became one of those establishments that was a reliable haven for Toledo’s Black population. Sara Ivry, JSTOR Daily, 19 Feb. 2025 The nearly 100-year-old hotel in the heart of Old Town was once a haven for notable guests such as Princess Caroline of Monaco and the rock band Pink Floyd. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 18 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 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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