a place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures., to keep a thought or feeling in your mind for a long time

harbor a grudge, safe harbor, storm in a teacup (UK) / tempest in a teapot (US)

harbor seal, harbor master, harbor freight

Formal and Informal Expressions of harbor

In different contexts, you can replace 'harbor' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'haven, port' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'dock, wharf' is a commonplace synonym.

harbor: Explore its Definition & Usage

harbor Definition

1a place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.
2to keep a thought or feeling in your mind for a long time

Using harbor: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harbor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The harbor was filled with boats of all sizes.
Example
The ship entered the harbor at dawn.
Example
She harbored a secret desire to become an actress.
Example
He harbored no ill feelings towards her.

harbor Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for harbor

Antonyms for harbor

Idioms Using harbor

harbor a grudge
to feel anger or resentment towards someone over a past event
Example
She still harbors a grudge against him for breaking her favorite vase.
safe harbor
a place or situation that provides protection or security
Example
The new law provides a safe harbor for whistleblowers who report illegal activity.
storm in a teacup (UK) / tempest in a teapot (US)
a situation where people get very angry or worried about something that is not important
Example
The argument over the office temperature was just a storm in a teacup.

Phrases with harbor

harbor seal
a type of seal that lives along the coasts of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans
Example
We saw a group of harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks.
harbor master
a person responsible for managing the operations of a harbor, including the movement of ships and the maintenance of facilities
Example
The harbor master directed the ship to its berth.
harbor freight
a company that sells discounted tools and equipment
Example
I bought a new drill at Harbor Freight.

Origins of harbor

from Old English 'herebeorg', meaning 'shelter, refuge'

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Summary: harbor in Brief

A 'harbor' [ˈhɑːrbər] is a place on the coast where ships can moor in shelter, often protected by artificial structures. It can also mean to keep a thought or feeling in your mind for a long time. Examples include 'The harbor was filled with boats of all sizes' and 'She harbored a secret desire to become an actress.' Idioms like 'harbor a grudge' denote resentment, while 'safe harbor' refers to a place of protection. 'Storm in a teacup' describes a situation where people get upset over something trivial.