hot springs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; common in geographical, travel, and wellness contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hot springs” mean?
A natural spring of water that is heated by geothermal energy from the Earth's interior, producing water significantly warmer than the ambient air temperature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural spring of water that is heated by geothermal energy from the Earth's interior, producing water significantly warmer than the ambient air temperature.
The term can refer to the geological feature itself, the body of water it creates, or the location as a site for bathing, tourism, or geothermal energy. It is often associated with relaxation, health benefits, and natural wonders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Spa' is more common in UK English for commercial establishments, which may or may not use natural hot springs.
Connotations
Both varieties associate hot springs with leisure, natural beauty, and therapeutic qualities.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hot springs” in a Sentence
The hot spring [VERB: flows, emerges, is located] in the valley.We [VERB: visited, bathed in, found] a hot spring.The [ADJ: geothermal, mineral-rich] hot spring is popular.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot springs” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The most famous hot spring in Bath is the Roman-built Sacred Spring.
- After the hike, we sought out a secluded hot spring to ease our muscles.
American English
- Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its spectacular hot springs and geysers.
- They built a cabin near the hot spring to take advantage of the natural heat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in tourism development, wellness industry reports, and geothermal energy projects.
Academic
Used in geology, environmental science, and tourism studies texts.
Everyday
Common in travel planning, holiday stories, and discussions about relaxation.
Technical
Precise term in volcanology and hydrology for a spring with water temperature above the local mean annual air temperature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot springs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot springs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot springs”
- Using 'hot spring' to refer to any heated swimming pool. Confusing spelling: 'hotspring' as one word is a common brand name but non-standard as a general noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both are geothermal features, but a geyser is a type of hot spring that periodically erupts, throwing a column of hot water and steam into the air.
No. The temperature, acidity, mineral content, and conservation rules vary. Some are dangerously hot or toxic, while others are perfect for bathing. Always check local guidance.
A 'hot spring' is a natural feature. A 'spa' is a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatments, which may or may not use water from a natural hot spring.
They can be, but caution is needed. Risks include scalding temperatures, unstable ground, harmful microorganisms (like Naegleria fowleri in warm freshwater), and high levels of certain minerals. Always use designated bathing areas.
A natural spring of water that is heated by geothermal energy from the Earth's interior, producing water significantly warmer than the ambient air temperature.
Hot springs is usually neutral to formal; common in geographical, travel, and wellness contexts. in register.
Hot springs: 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
- “[”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPRING (water source) that is so HOT you can see steam rising from it.
Conceptual Metaphor
EARTH'S BATH: The Earth is imagined as a living body that provides warm, healing waters.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source of heat for a natural hot spring?