: 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
massaged; massaging
1
: to subject to massage
2
a
: to treat flatteringly : blandish
b
: manipulate, doctor
massaged the data to help his cause
massager
noun
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
Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
The spa leans traditional, focusing on Balinese treatments, long-flowing massage sequences and calming aromatics.
—Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 12 Jan. 2026
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
To experience its magic for yourself, massage two to four droppers of product into your scalp before shampooing, or use it as a nourishing overnight treatment.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The spa offers a range of body treatments, from invigorating gommages (scrubs) to toxin-draining massages.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
The spa leans traditional, focusing on Balinese treatments, long-flowing massage sequences and calming aromatics.
—Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
To experience its magic for yourself, massage two to four droppers of product into your scalp before shampooing, or use it as a nourishing overnight treatment.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
