sauna

[ saw-nuh, sou- ]

noun

1. a bath that uses dry heat to induce perspiration, and in which steam is produced by pouring water on heated stones.
2. a bathhouse or room, usually of wood, equipped for such a bath.

verb (used without object)

, sau·naed, sau·na·ing.

1. to take a sauna:

   to sauna after exercising.

sauna

/ ˈsɔːnə /

noun

1. an invigorating bath originating in Finland in which the bather is subjected to hot steam, usually followed by a cold plunge or by being lightly beaten with birch twigs
2. the place in which such a bath is taken

Word History and Origins

Origin of sauna¹

Borrowed into English from Finnish around 1880–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of sauna¹

C20: from Finnish

Example Sentences

Hit the cold plunge and sauna After my midday nap, I like to take a cold plunge in the garage in my inflatable Edge Theory Cold Plunge.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll do a cold plunge, then have a sauna.

From Los Angeles Times

They built a swimming pool in the garden and a sauna in the basement.

From BBC

He tore panels from the sauna in the hope that there might be water inside the pipes.

From BBC

Amenities in the gated community include a basketball court, car wash, clubhouse, library, kitchen, stage, card room, laundry facilities, playground, heated swimming pool, sauna and a tennis court.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lavatory
• powder room
• restroom
• toilet
• washroom
• water closet