# heavens

/ˈhɛvənz/ (US) · /hˈɛvənz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heavens
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the sky and space

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

the sky, especially when you are looking at the sun, moon, and stars.

For teachers: the celestial sphere or the expanse of space visible from Earth. Usually plural and often carries a poetic or scientific-historical tone.

- The astronomer spent the night gazing up at the heavens through his telescope.
- Ancient navigators relied on the movement of the heavens to guide their ships across the open ocean before the invention of modern tools.

Usage: Almost always used in the plural form 'the heavens'.

### 2. the home of God

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Literary

the place where God or the gods are believed to live.

For teachers: the dwelling place of the divine or the blessed dead in religious contexts. Plural form of 'heaven' used for emphasis or formal register.

- In many old stories, the gods looked down from the heavens to watch over humans.
- The cathedral's ceiling was painted with a vibrant mural depicting the opening of the heavens and the descent of angels.

### 3. expression of surprise

interjection · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a polite way to show you are surprised, shocked, or annoyed.

For teachers: a mild exclamatory formula used to express surprise, frustration, or emphasis. Often appears in phrases like 'Good heavens' or 'Heavens above'.

- Good heavens, I didn't expect to see you here so early.
- Heavens, I had no idea that the project would require such a significant financial investment.

Usage: Typically functions as a standalone exclamation or an introductory phrase.

## Examples

- The stars shine brightly in the heavens tonight.
- Ancient astronomers spent their lives mapping the movement of the planets across the heavens.
- The poet gazed toward the heavens, seeking inspiration from the vast, silent void that stretched beyond the reach of human understanding.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.