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

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

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

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

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

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The sauna has become the hottest place to network.

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Related Words

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