# sanatorium

/sˌænɐtˈɔːɹiəm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sanatorium
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a special hospital or building where people go to rest and get better from a long illness. It was very common in the past for people with tuberculosis to stay there for a long time.

For teachers: a facility or building designed for the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly tuberculosis, through rest, fresh air, and a healthy environment. Often implies a long-term residential stay rather than acute medical intervention.

## Examples

- The old sanatorium now serves as a luxury hotel.
- During the early twentieth century, many families moved to the mountains to stay at a sanatorium for the winter.
- The architectural design of the sanatorium emphasized wide windows and open-air terraces to ensure patients received maximum exposure to sunlight and fresh mountain air.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.