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

Home saunas have moved well past the luxury category. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

For some indoor relaxation, the hotel spa is home to seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and a juice bar on the terrace. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 June 2026

How Heat Actually Works In The Body During a sauna session, heart rate climbs to 100 to 150 beats per minute and the cardiovascular system undergoes thermoregulatory conditioning that resembles moderate aerobic exercise without the mechanical load. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026

Infrared saunas run $1,500 to $7,000, with an average around $4,200. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 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
• jnana
• mana
• tswana
• wanna
• asana
• chicana

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