massage

1 of 3

noun (1)

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for relaxation or therapeutic purposes

gave him a neck massage

massage

2 of 3

verb

massaged; massaging

transitive verb

1

: to subject to massage

2

a

: to treat flatteringly : blandish

b

: manipulate, doctor

massaged the data to help his cause

massager noun

massager

3 of 3

noun (2)

mas·​sag·​er

-zhə(r), 

-jə-

plural -s

: one that massages: such as

a

: masseur, masseuse

b

: a massaging machine

Synonyms of massage

Verb

• flatter
• stroke
• praise
• butter up
• congratulate
• puff

Examples of massage in a Sentence

Noun (1)

She gave him a neck massage.

using massage to help relax

Verb

She massaged her leg until the numbness was gone.

a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Cold plunge tubs, saunas and red light beds are increasingly combined with neurostimulation devices, massage guns and vibration plates rather than used in isolation. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

As for treatments, the menu is extensive, from a sound massage with Tibetan singing bowls to a detox session with a South American quebracho bark extract, and anti-ageing rituals to a pregnancy pamper. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Verb

To make green tea, the leaves are roasted in a 400 degree Fahrenheit stainless steel bowl as tea makers like Jeong massage the leaves throughout for several minutes. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Begin by massaging skin with a hydrating moisturizer and primer. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb

French, from masser to massage, from Arabic massa to stroke

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing massage

• massage parlor
• massage someone's ego
• massage therapist
• massage therapy
• Swedish massage

Rhymes for massage

• barrage
• collage
• corsage
• dressage
• garage
• mirage
• montage
• swaraj
• arbitrage
• camouflage
• entourage
• sabotage

Kids Definition

massage

1 of 2 noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: treatment (as of the body) by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping

massage

2 of 2 verb

massaged; massaging

: to give massage to

Medical Definition

massage

1 of 2 noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument especially for therapeutic purposes

massage

2 of 2 transitive verb

massaged; massaging

: to treat by means of massage