Harbor
/ˈhɑːr.bɚ/noun
A sheltered place along a coast where ships can anchor safely.
Did you know?Its deepest root is Proto-Germanic *harbistaz*, meaning a place where troops or travelers lodge, which is why the word carries an old sense of shelter and refuge rather than just boats.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to grow, increase”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*harbistaz
“lodging, shelter for travelers or troops”
Old English
OE
herebeorg
“shelter, lodging, refuge”
Middle English
ME
herberwe
“inn, shelter, place of lodging”
14th Century
English
harbour
“a sheltered haven for ships”
Modern English
English
harbor
“a sheltered place where ships may anchor safely”