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• spa
  spa

  noun

  a mineral spring, or a locality in which such springs exist.
• Spa
  Spa

  noun

  a resort town in E Belgium, SE of Liège: famous mineral springs.
• SpA
  SpA

  abbreviation

  Società per Azioni
• SPA
  SPA

  abbreviation

  Special Protection Area: an area designated by the European Union in order to protect endangered species, esp of birds

spa

¹ American  

[spah] / spɑ /

noun

1. a mineral spring, or a locality in which such springs exist.

2. a luxurious resort or resort hotel.

3. health spa.

4. a hot tub or similar warm-water hydromassage facility, usually for more than one person.

5. New England. soda fountain.

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Spa ² American  

[spah] / spɑ /

noun

1. a resort town in E Belgium, SE of Liège: famous mineral springs.

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SpA ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Società per Azioni

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SPA ² British  

abbreviation

1. Special Protection Area: an area designated by the European Union in order to protect endangered species, esp of birds

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Spa ³ British  

/ spɑː /

noun

1. a town in E Belgium, in Liège province: a resort with medicinal mineral springs (discovered in the 14th century). Pop: 10 491 (2004 est)

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spa ⁴ British  

/ spɑː /

noun

1. a mineral spring or a place or resort where such a spring is found

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Etymology

Origin of spa

First recorded in 1555–65; generalized use of Spa

Explanation

A spa is a fancy hotel or resort, especially one that offers health and beauty treatments or is located near a natural mineral spring. If you like being pampered, you might treat yourself to a day at a spa. You might go to a spa to get a massage and sit in a sauna, or to visit the naturally warm springs in Sonoma, California or Saratoga Springs, New York. The springs themselves are often called spas, and as a result even a Jacuzzi bathtub with underwater jets is sometimes referred to as a spa. The word comes from the town of Spa, Belgium, which has been known for its mineral springs since the 15th century.

Example Sentences

For around $675 per person per night, The Lodge at Woodloch is a more secluded, adults-only experience built around the spa.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Outside the property is just as luxurious, with numerous entertaining areas spread around the grounds, as well as a stunning swimming pool and spa that provides the perfect place to relax.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Contra Costa County health officers are investigating two recent deaths associated with legionellosis, potentially linked to visits to a Richmond spa.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

And it was a contentious case having to do with the rights of trans people and the rights of the owners of a spa.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

When the CD ended, Fang exited the spa, hit me with a killer look, dove for cover under the red velvet and snapped off the rickety lamp between the beds.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx