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

Le Grand Spa, refurbished in 2017, is certainly a standout feature of the entire guest experience; there are steam baths, an ice fountain, an herbal sauna, and an outdoor relaxation pool. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

Dragon Tiny Homes recently came up with yet another use for them in the form of a mobile sauna. —New Atlas, 27 June 2025

Participants took turns soaking in a hot tub and sitting in both types of saunas while their body temperatures, heart rates, blood pressure and even immune markers were tracked before, during and after each session. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Recovery amenities include infrared saunas, hot and cold plunges and eucalyptus steam rooms. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025

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