massage

1 of 2

noun

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 2

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

Synonyms of massage

Verb

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

Examples of massage in a Sentence

Noun

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

The Enhanced version adds lumbar support, massage, and USB charging, while the Premier model adds neck tilt and motion-sensor under-bed lighting. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

The percussive vibration unclogs impurities and excess sebum while the accompanying massage motion stimulates blood microcirculation and supports lymphatic drainage—exactly the mechanisms Cirino prioritizes in his professional treatments. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Verb

And slowly, Circe begins to massage and mold Odysseus’ crew into literal pigs. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 July 2026

The solutions being proposed and inane rhetoric from people such as Johnson are just massaging the symptoms rather than dealing with the real problems. — Ronald J. Allen, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

First Known Use

Noun

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