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

About 15 minutes after Schottenheimer’s comments, Parsons took the field wearing an all black Hot Suit sauna suit. —Jon MacHota, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2025

The primary suite is truly a retreat, featuring a steam shower, sauna, and sculptural soaking tub designed for serious relaxation. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025

One of my most memorable experiences at the property involved a multisensory wellness ritual conducted by a sauna master. —Tomeka Jones, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025

While the Baltic water is bracing, saunas abound, and many beachgoers alternate dips with warming sessions in a seaside cabin. —Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 1 Aug. 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