heaven

noun

heav·​en ˈhe-vən 

1

: the expanse of space that seems to be over the earth like a dome : firmament

—usually used in plural

the brightest star in the heavens

2

a

often capitalized : the dwelling place of the Deity and the blessed dead

hopes to go to Heaven when she dies

b

: a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God

3

capitalized : god sense 1

Heaven help us.

4

: a place or condition of utmost happiness : something that is very pleasant or enjoyable

Our week at the spa was sheer heaven.

5

Christian Science : a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of divine Mind (see mind entry 1 sense 8) is manifest

Synonyms

• above
• bliss
• elysian fields
• Elysium
• empyrean
• kingdom come
• New Jerusalem
• paradise
• sky
• Zion
• Sion

Examples of heaven in a Sentence

She prayed to God in Heaven.

He hopes to go to Heaven when he dies.

Our baby is a gift from heaven.

the brightest star in the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

Dustin May closed his eyes, took a breath and held his head suspended toward the heavens. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025

Then, Nathan Lee Graham was just like a gift from the heavens. —Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

But financially, Alexander-Arnold moving there as a free agent would be exceptionally lucrative for him — signing-on-fee heaven — and highly cost-effective for Madrid. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

What’s non-negotiable is that it must be made using a kettle, never — heaven forfend — a microwave. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heven, from Old English heofon; akin to Old High German himil heaven

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing heaven

• (a) heaven on earth
• a marriage made in heaven
• a match made in heaven
• for heaven's sake
• God/heaven forbid
• God/Lord/heaven help (someone)
• heaven knows
• heaven's above
• heaven-sent
• hog heaven
• in heaven's name
• in seventh heaven
• like heaven
• made in heaven
• move heaven and earth
• seventh heaven
• stinks to high heaven
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord
• to high heaven
• tree of heaven

Rhymes for heaven

• leaven
• levan
• levin
• seven
• sevin
• eleven
• replevin

Kids Definition

heaven

noun

heav·​en ˈhev-ən 

1

: sky sense 1

—usually used in plural

2

often capitalized : the dwelling place of God and of the blessed dead

3

: a place or condition of complete happiness