What does harbour mean?
Harbour is a versatile English word with both a concrete and a figurative range of meanings. As a noun, it denotes a sheltered area of water along a coast where ships can anchor, shelter from difficult conditions, or carry out maritime business. A harbour may be natural, such as a sheltered bay, or constructed with piers, breakwaters, and other facilities. As a verb, harbour means to shelter or protect, as when a person harbours a fugitive or a ship finds safety in port. It can also mean to hold feelings privately within oneself, especially in phrases such as harbour a grudge or harbour fears. The word is commonly used in British English, while harbor is the standard spelling in American English. Its usefulness lies in connecting the physical security of a sheltered place with the broader human idea of refuge, concealment, and emotional containment.
A sheltered body of water, usually partly or fully enclosed by land, where ships may anchor, take refuge, or conduct maritime operations.
"The harbour provides a safe anchorage for fishing boats during rough weather."
In British English, the phrase in harbour describes a ship that is moored in port rather than at sea.
To shelter or protect someone or something, especially a person, ship, or feeling.
"The old warehouse was used to harbour refugees during the conflict."
The figurative use often means to keep a thought or feeling secretly within oneself, as in harbouring a grudge.
The standard British plural is harbours; the American spelling is harbors.
"Several natural harbours lie along the rugged coastline."
Harbour means both a protected place for ships and, figuratively, a protected place in the mind for fears, grudges, or hopes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How harbour is actually used
Harbour is the usual British spelling; harbor is the usual American spelling. As a verb, harbour is often used figuratively in expressions such as harbour a grudge or harbour fears. In British English, in harbour is also used to describe a ship that is not at sea.
Easily confused with harbour
Harbor is the standard American spelling of the same word and has the same meanings, but British English normally uses the spelling harbour.