spa

¹ American  

[spah] / spɑ /

noun

1. a mineral spring, or a locality in which such springs exist.

2. a luxurious resort or resort hotel.

3. health spa.

4. a hot tub or similar warm-water hydromassage facility, usually for more than one person.

5. New England. soda fountain.

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Spa ² American  

[spah] / spɑ /

noun

1. a resort town in E Belgium, SE of Liège: famous mineral springs.

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SpA ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Società per Azioni

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SPA ² British  

abbreviation

1. Special Protection Area: an area designated by the European Union in order to protect endangered species, esp of birds

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Spa ³ British  

/ spɑː /

noun

1. a town in E Belgium, in Liège province: a resort with medicinal mineral springs (discovered in the 14th century). Pop: 10 491 (2004 est)

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spa ⁴ British  

/ spɑː /

noun

1. a mineral spring or a place or resort where such a spring is found

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Etymology

Origin of spa

First recorded in 1555–65; generalized use of Spa

Explanation

A spa is a fancy hotel or resort, especially one that offers health and beauty treatments or is located near a natural mineral spring. If you like being pampered, you might treat yourself to a day at a spa. You might go to a spa to get a massage and sit in a sauna, or to visit the naturally warm springs in Sonoma, California or Saratoga Springs, New York. The springs themselves are often called spas, and as a result even a Jacuzzi bathtub with underwater jets is sometimes referred to as a spa. The word comes from the town of Spa, Belgium, which has been known for its mineral springs since the 15th century.

Example Sentences

He said the fuel is faster for pool and spa heating, where electric heat pumps are more energy-efficient than gas but heat the water more slowly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

We hiked, biked, relaxed in the spa sauna and sampled the signature Bled cream cake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

There's one, like a nice little spa day...

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Our suite had a massive bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower, and the property also has multiple restaurants and a full-service spa.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

“Yes, I went to the salon. And yes, I’m going to the spa next weekend.”

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence