heaven noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of heaven noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

      

    heaven

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈhɛvn//
     
     
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  1. 1Heaven [uncountable] (used without the) (in some religions) the place believed to be the home of God where good people go when they die the kingdom of heaven I feel like I've died and gone to heaven.
  2. 2[uncountable, countable] (informal) a place or situation in which you are very happy This isn't exactly my idea of heaven! It was heaven being away from the office for a week. The island is truly a heaven on earth.
  3. 3the heavens [plural] (literary) the sky Four tall trees stretched up to the heavens.
  4. Idioms
    God, God almighty, God in heaven, good God, my God, oh God (informal)
     
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     used to emphasize what you are saying when you are surprised, shocked, or annoyed God, what a stupid thing to do! Some people find this use offensive.
    God/Heaven help somebody (informal)
     
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    used to say that you are afraid someone will be in danger or that something bad will happen to them God help us if this doesn't work. Some people find this use offensive.
      God/goodness/Heaven knows (informal)
       
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    1. 1used to emphasize that you do not know something God knows what else they might find. “Where are they?” “Goodness knows.” Some people may find the use of God knows offensive.
    2. 2used to emphasize the truth of what you are saying She ought to pass the exam—goodness knows she's been working hard enough.
    Heaven forbid/forfend (that)… (humorous or old use)
     
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    used to say that you are frightened of the idea of something happening Heaven forbid that students are encouraged to think!
    (Good) Heavens!, Heavens above! (informal)
     
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     used to show that you are surprised or annoyed Good heavens, what are you doing?
    the heavens opened
     
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    it began to rain heavily
    in God's/Heaven's name, in the name of God/Heaven
     
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    used especially in questions to show that you are angry, surprised, or shocked What in God's name was that noise? Where in the name of Heaven have you been?
    in seventh heaven
     
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    extremely happy Now that he's been promoted he's in seventh heaven.
    made in heaven
     
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    (especially of a marriage or other relationship) seeming to be perfect Everyone thought that theirs was a marriage made in heaven.
    move heaven and earth
     
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    to do everything you possibly can in order to achieve something
      smell, stink, etc. to high heaven (informal)
       
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    1. 1to have a strong unpleasant smell
    2. 2to seem to be very dishonest or morally unacceptable
    thank God/goodness/heaven(s) (for something)
     
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    used to say that you are pleased about something Thank God you're safe! “Thank goodness for that!” she said with a sigh of relief. Thanks heavens I've found my keys. Some people find the phrase thank God offensive.
See heaven in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary