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)

saunaed, saunaing 

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

At a sauna in Peckham, south London, young professionals sit on scorching hot, wood-panelled benches, dressed in swimming trunks and bathing suits.

Read more on BBC

For the ultimate in relaxation, there is a recovery room equipped with a sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub.

Read more on MarketWatch

The temperature was around 93 degrees and the ambient humidity was somewhere between Nordic sauna and Brazilian rainforest.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Stars already had enough Finnish players on the roster to fill a sauna.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The sauna itself isn’t exactly new to America, either.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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