hot tub: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “hot tub” mean?
A large tub or small pool filled with heated water, typically used for relaxation, therapy, or socializing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large tub or small pool filled with heated water, typically used for relaxation, therapy, or socializing.
Often signifies a luxury item for private homes, a feature at spas or resorts, or a social gathering point. It can also metaphorically represent relaxation, indulgence, or a potential health hazard if poorly maintained.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical and equally common in both varieties. 'Jacuzzi' (brand name) or 'spa bath' are frequent synonyms.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with garden/leisure centres in the UK; in the US, often linked to suburban backyards and resorts.
Frequency
Equally high frequency; no regional preference.
Grammar
How to Use “hot tub” in a Sentence
[verb] + the hot tub (soak in, get into, clean)[adjective] + hot tub (outdoor, broken, communal)hot tub + [noun] (hot tub party, hot tub time)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot tub” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to hot-tub after the wedding.
- They spent the evening hot-tubbing under the stars.
American English
- Let's hot tub later.
- The realtor said the property is perfect for hot-tubbing.
adjective
British English
- They booked a hot-tub suite at the resort.
- The hot-tub experience was very relaxing.
American English
- It's a hot tub party this Saturday.
- We're looking at hot tub models for the deck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism/hospitality marketing ('villa with a private hot tub').
Academic
Rare, may appear in public health studies (legionnaires' disease risk) or leisure studies.
Everyday
Common in conversation about homes, holidays, leisure centres.
Technical
Used in plumbing, public health regulations, and pool/spa industry literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot tub”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot tub”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot tub”
- Using 'hot bath' interchangeably (a hot bath is personal, a hot tub is communal).
- Misspelling as 'hottub' (should be two words or hyphenated: hot-tub).
- Confusing with 'sauna' (dry heat) or 'steam room'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacuzzi is a brand name for one type of hot tub/whirlpool bath. All Jacuzzis are hot tubs, but not all hot tubs are Jacuzzis.
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('hot tub'), though hyphenated ('hot-tub') is also accepted, especially when used as a modifier (e.g., hot-tub party).
Yes, informally. It means to spend time in a hot tub (e.g., 'We hot-tubbed for hours'). This usage is more common in casual speech than formal writing.
Poorly maintained hot tubs can breed bacteria like Legionella (causing Legionnaires' disease) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causing 'hot tub rash'). Proper chlorination and filtration are essential.
A large tub or small pool filled with heated water, typically used for relaxation, therapy, or socializing.
Hot tub is usually informal, neutral in register.
Hot tub: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒt ˌtʌb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːt ˌtʌb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hot-tub diplomacy (informal: discussing business casually)”
- “not just a pretty hot tub (emphasizing substance over luxury)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HOT' for the heated water and 'TUB' as a large container. It’s like a hot bath, but bigger and for multiple people.
Conceptual Metaphor
A hot tub is a container for relaxation; a social melting pot; a luxury bubble.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key distinguishing feature of a 'hot tub'?