sauna

noun

sau·​na ˈsȯ-nə  ˈsau̇-nə 

1

: a Finnish steam bath in which the steam is provided by water thrown on hot stones

also : a bathhouse or room used for such a bath

2

: a dry heat bath

also : a room or cabinet used for such a bath

Examples of sauna in a Sentence

The health club has a pool and a sauna.

He talked about the benefits of taking a sauna regularly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seasonal children's programming is available for ages three to 17, and adults can enjoy the cold plunges, sauna, and hot tub at the Lazy You Hideaway while the kids are occupied. —Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

The sight of a heated and jet-equipped hydrotherapy pool greets you at check in, and is flanked by relaxation day beds, a sauna, and a steam room. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026

Recently reimagined by design studio Kaemingk Collection, the grounds are equipped with an outdoor shower and sauna for a spa-like stay. —Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026

Steam and relax in a new floating sauna, which opened on Lake Wakatipu in December. —New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Finnish

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sauna

• ana
• bwana
• dhyana
• donna
• fauna
• gonna
• mana
• tswana
• wanna
• asana
• chicana
• iguana

Kids Definition

sauna

noun

sau·​na ˈsau̇-nə  ˈsȯ-nə 

: a Finnish steam bath

Medical Definition

sauna

noun

sau·​na ˈsau̇-nə  ˈsȯ-nə 

1

: a Finnish steam bath in which the steam is provided by water thrown on hot stones

also : a bathhouse or room used for such a bath

2

: a dry heat bath

also : a room or cabinet used for such a bath