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

"But this is a particularly special moment, opening a gallery in my own hometown and shining a spotlight on our wonderful spa town, and its creative and artistic spirit, makes me incredibly proud," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

New Vogue Spa is an Asian-style spa with Korean and Chinese influences.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The Battle Creek Sanitarium, a world-renowned health spa in the eponymous Michigan city, drew fans of what today we’d call wellness culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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

I was sick to death of visits to the INS that required standing in lines that made the DMV look like a spa day.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi