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

At the end, a shower ritual and full-body massage complete the recalibration journey. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Then head to the spa and request The Renew, a day-long package ($569) that includes a 50-minute deep-tissue massage, a 75-minute pore cleansing facial, lunch served poolside, and a citrus scrub mani-pedi (Champagne is optional). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Verb

To experience its silky-smooth results, gently massage the serum into your scalp when your hair is dry or towel-dried post-shower—and, cue the compliments! — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 July 2026

Words have been parsed over, ideas about location, production design, costume, lighting have all been carefully massaged even up to the day of photography. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 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