hot spring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “hot spring” mean?
a natural source of water heated underground by geothermal energy, emerging at the Earth's surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a natural source of water heated underground by geothermal energy, emerging at the Earth's surface
Any location where heated groundwater emerges naturally; can also refer to developed bathing facilities built around such sources, sometimes with extended metaphorical use meaning a source of constant refreshment or renewal
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The term 'spa' is more commonly used in British English for developed/commercial hot spring facilities.
Connotations
In British usage, often associated with historic Roman baths or specific locations like Bath. In American usage, strongly associated with the western United States and national parks.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to greater geographic prominence in western states.
Grammar
How to Use “hot spring” in a Sentence
[location] has a hot springsoak in [the/a] hot spring[the] hot spring is located in [place]water from [the] hot springVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot spring” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The area is known to hot spring naturally in several valleys.
- We plan to hot spring-hop across the region.
American English
- They decided to hot spring their way through Colorado.
- The resort will hot spring the new development area.
adverb
British English
- The water flows hot-springly from the hillside.
- They bathed hot-springly every morning.
American English
- The geyser erupted hot-springly into the air.
- The water was bubbling hot-springly from the ground.
adjective
British English
- The hot-spring waters are rich in minerals.
- We visited a lovely hot-spring town in the Cotswolds.
American English
- The hot-spring experience was rejuvenating.
- They built a hot-spring resort on the property.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to tourism development, wellness industry, and spa resorts.
Academic
Used in geology, hydrology, and environmental science to describe geothermal features.
Everyday
Common in travel conversations, holiday planning, and discussions about relaxation.
Technical
Specific geological term for a spring with water temperature significantly above mean annual air temperature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot spring”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot spring”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot spring”
- Using 'hot spring' for artificially heated swimming pools (e.g., a hotel Jacuzzi). Confusing with 'hot tub'. Plural: 'hot springs' (common) vs. 'hot spring' (singular feature).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A hot spring is a steady flow of heated water. A geyser is a type of hot spring that periodically erupts, shooting water and steam into the air.
No. Some are too hot, acidic, or located in protected natural areas where bathing is prohibited. Always check local regulations and safety warnings.
A hot spring is a natural geothermal feature. A spa is a facility offering health and beauty treatments, which may or may not use water from a natural hot spring.
Many are safe for bathing, but risks include extreme temperatures, harmful microorganisms, and unstable ground. Only use designated, tested bathing areas.
a natural source of water heated underground by geothermal energy, emerging at the Earth's surface.
Hot spring is usually neutral in register.
Hot spring: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒt ˈsprɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːt ˈsprɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A hot spring of ideas (metaphorical: a constant source of new thoughts)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOT from underground heat + SPRING where water 'springs' from the earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
EARTH AS A LIVING BODY (the spring is a warm outlet)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary natural cause of a hot spring?