hot spring

American

noun

a thermal spring having water warmer than 98°F (37°C): the water is usually heated by emanation from or passage near hot or molten rock.

hot spring British

noun

Also called: thermal spring. a natural spring of mineral water at a temperature of 21°C (70°F) or above, found in areas of volcanic activity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hot spring Scientific

A spring of warm water, usually having a temperature greater than that of the human body.

Etymology

Origin of hot spring

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The animals were seen entering homes, roaming near schools and rampaging through supermarkets and hot spring resorts on an almost daily basis.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The pair, who met in college in Tokyo, spent $40,000 on their first akiya in the hot spring town of Beppu.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The Rising Squall, features a dramatic view of a former hot spring and spa in Bristol seen from east bank of the River Avon, before Clifton Suspension Bridge was built.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

The amenities on offer include a hot spring, golf, table tennis and plenty of walking paths.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2024

The waters of the hot spring are still and calm, a cloud of steam hovering over it.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023