spa

noun \ ˈspä , ˈspȯ \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Definition of spa

1 a : a mineral spring

b : a resort with mineral springs

2 : a fashionable resort or hotel

3 New England : soda fountain

4 : a commercial establishment providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation

5 : a hot tub with a whirlpool device

See spa defined for English-language learners

See spa defined for kids

Examples of spa in a Sentence

Their property includes a swimming pool and spa.
a six-month membership in a health spa with the specific purpose of losing weight

Recent Examples of spa from the Web

His membership at the Y makes a swanky fitness room unnecessary, and his lack of a pet eliminates the need for a dog park or pet spa.

— ely portillo and hannah lang, charlotteobserver, "There's an 'arms race' to lure renters, and it now involves pet spas and beer gardens," 13 June 2018
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa focuses on healthy living, and boasts a robust offering of 65 salon and spa services plus a multi-purpose wellness facility.

— travel wisconsin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Solo trips to recharge in Wisconsin," 10 June 2018
Amenities are seemingly endless and include access to the private beach and a 12,000 square foot spa.

— michaela bechler, Vogue, "The Charming Rhode Island Village You Should Visit This Summer," 8 June 2018
The Phoenix campus is equipped with everything possible to make the employee experience awesome including onsite childcare facilities, a health services clinic, a state of the art fitness center and spa-like relaxation zones.

— azcentral, "Top Companies to Work for in Arizona 2018-Large Companies," 7 June 2018
The spa attendant will point you in the right direction.

— arielle franklin, Health.com, "These 6 Spas and Hotels Are Offering Great Deals for Global Wellness Day," 7 June 2018
The spa-like master bath includes a HydroSystems tub and a shower with Hansgrohe fixtures.

— lisa zapalac, Houston Chronicle, "Retreat close to heart of the city is open today, Sunday, June 3," 3 June 2018
Treat your mom to spa-like scents with our favorite essential oil diffuser, which lasts up to nine hours and has seven fun colors.

— courtney campbell, USA TODAY, "20 amazing Mother’s Day gifts she’ll actually love," 30 Apr. 2018
Luna Living's program involves spa-like treatments and a regimen of dietary supplements known as NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

— ginger christ, cleveland.com, "A 'disservice' to people? U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons' addiction center uses controversial methods," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spa.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spa

Spa, watering place in Belgium

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1610

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

spa Synonyms

Synonyms

gym, gymnasium, health club, health spa;

Spa

geographical name \ ˈspä \

Definition of Spa

town southeast of Liège in the Wallonia region in eastern Belgium population 10,394

SPA Defined for English Language Learners

spa

noun

Definition of spa for English Language Learners

: a place where water that has many minerals in it comes up naturally from the ground and where people go to improve their health by swimming in, bathing in, or drinking the water
: a place where people go to improve their health and appearance by exercising, relaxing, etc.
: a bathtub in which a pump causes hot water and air bubbles to move around your body