harbor

Everyday

1. A sheltered area of water by the coast where ships and boats can stay safely. tree →
2. To harbor someone means to hide or shelter them, often someone wanted by the police. tree →
3. To harbor a feeling means to keep it in your mind for a long time: harbor a grudge. tree →
4. To harbor germs or pests means to let them live and grow there. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and stories of the sea; in history (Pearl Harbor, Sydney Harbour); in science, places that harbor germs. Phrases: in the harbor, safe harbor, harbor a grudge, harbor doubts.

Examples

• The fishing boats came back into the harbor. tree →
• Sydney Harbour Bridge is famous around the world. tree →
• The attack on Pearl Harbor brought the USA into the war in 1941. tree →
• It is a crime to harbor a criminal. tree →
• She still harbors a grudge against her old friend. tree →
• Dirty sponges can harbor germs. tree →
• We watched the ferries leave the harbor. tree →
• The Dolphin then inquired if he knew the Piræus (the famous harbor of Athens). tree →

Note

Harbor is the American spelling; harbour is British, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish. Names keep their own spelling: Pearl Harbor, Sydney Harbour. Harbor and port are close; a harbor is the sheltered water, a port is the town and docks for trade.