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

Inside, Devarana offers a 60-minute traditional Thai oil massage followed by 30 minutes of singing bowl sound healing, combining halotherapy and chakra balancing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Low-tech rituals cited as popular starters include exfoliation, dry brushing, facial massage and gua sha, ear seeding and mindful meditation. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

Verb

The Miracle Brush is a state-of-the-art paddle brush with precision dual boar/nylon bristles and microsphere massaging tips to gently detangle hair of all textures and lengths while simultaneously encouraging scalp health with micro-circulation. — ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026

My father began resuscitation and ordered Nino to massage the fisherman’s chest. — Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 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