solarium

American  

[suh-lair-ee-uhm, soh-] / səˈlɛər i əm, soʊ- /

noun

plural

solariums, solaria

1. a glass-enclosed room, porch, or the like, exposed to the sun's rays, as at a seaside hotel or for convalescents in a hospital.

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solarium British  

/ səʊˈlɛərɪəm /

noun

1. a room built largely of glass to afford exposure to the sun

2. a bed equipped with ultraviolet lights used for acquiring an artificial suntan

3. an establishment offering such facilities

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Etymology

Origin of solarium

1815–25; < Latin sōlārium balcony, terrace, equivalent to sōl the sun + -ārium -ary

Explanation

A solarium is a room or part of a building that's made to be very sunny. You can also call a solarium a "sun room." Houses, restaurants, hospitals, and museums, among other buildings, sometimes include a solarium. This sun-filled room is similar to a porch, but instead of being open or enclosed with screens, it's lined with glass windows. Many solar-heated buildings include solariums in their design, since glass-enclosed rooms tend to stay very warm on sunny days. In Latin, solarium means "sundial" and also "that which is exposed to the sun."

Example Sentences

In addition to the open-plan kitchen and living area, the home also boasts a wood-paneled library, a beautiful solarium, a playroom, and a screening room that comes complete with its own bar.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

Over time it’s been upgraded with a new foyer, parlor, a solarium and even a breakfast nook.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2023

“Watch party, she said. They got that solarium and they were going to watch the, you know—” He waved a hand vaguely.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2022

Four bedrooms, six baths, original design and details, antique mahogany woodwork, glass solarium, gourmet kitchen; 8,010 square feet.

From Washington Times • Jul. 1, 2021

This solarium didn't have any scientific apparatus in it, though its skylights were big enough for telescopes.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell