massage

noun mas·sage \ mə-ˈsäzh , -ˈsäj \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of massage

: 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

See massage defined for English-language learners

See massage defined for kids

Examples of massage in a Sentence

She gave him a neck massage.
using massage to help relax

Recent Examples of massage from the Web

Prosecutors said that in return, Mr. Singh gave Mr. Mangano a massage chair and arranged for a $7,300 Panerai Luminor watch to be delivered to Mr. Mangano’s home as a birthday present for his son.

— colin moynihan, New York Times, "Mangano Corruption Trial Ends in Mistrial on Long Island," 31 May 2018
He is locked in the powerful embrace of his massive massage chair, Nellie’s throne.

— scott ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, "Don Nelson on the Warriors, Webber and weed," 25 May 2018
Off the master suite, there is a gym, a massage room and an indoor hot tub with a view of the river.

— candace taylor, WSJ, "AOL Co-Founder’s D.C.-Area Home Asks $62.95 Million," 24 May 2018
The building also includes access to fitness center, yoga terrace, massage room, lap pool and hot tub.

— shannon rooney, Philly.com, "Philadelphia's most expensive rentals: What you can get for $15,000 a month," 15 May 2018
The 398 luxury apartments the firm designed at Next on Sixth in Koreatown are rich in amenities such as a 70-foot swimming pool, a yoga room, golf range, massage room, spa, party room and four roof decks.

— valli herman, latimes.com, "Developers see a healthy future for 'wellness' amenities," 4 May 2018
This triggers Alfred, who lividly gets up out of the massage chair to leave the salon. 2.

— lauren alvarez, Billboard, "'Atlanta' Episode 8 Recap: Paper Boi's Life-Changing Trek Through the 'Woods'," 20 Apr. 2018
The Spa Suite has a separate bedroom, living room, and an entrance hall that turns into a private massage room.

— lindsay silberman, Town & Country, "The Best Room At...Hotel Emiliano Rio," 12 Apr. 2018
The audience remained at a steady 350 headcount as people perused vendors, sipped on boba tea, played games, and sat in massage chairs while the show carried on throughout the day.

— sarah espedido, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Miss Vietnam Florida 2018:," 3 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'massage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of massage

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1860

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

massage

verb

Definition of massage

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

See massage defined for English-language learners

Examples of massage in a Sentence

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 of massage from the Web

Mark your calendars, Philly — and start massaging those vocal cords — because the American Idol Bus is coming to our city on Sept. 6.

— claire wolters, Philly.com, "'American Idol' auditions set for Sept. 6 in Philly," 7 June 2018
Djokovic had his neck massaged during the opening set and called the trainer again after reducing his deficit, this time to receive treatment on his right leg.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Novak Djokovic is ousted in French Open quarterfinals," 5 June 2018
This didn't surprise me all that much considering the Protini cream always takes a little more massaging action to sink into my skin.

— rebecca norris, Allure, "Exclusive: Drunk Elephant's New D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum Is a Summer Must-Have," 5 June 2018
The Steelers are still built to win now, which means striking the delicate balance between developing their young players and massaging their core of star offensive players.

— conor orr, SI.com, "AFC North Offseason Report Cards: Browns on the Rise, Steelers Vulnerable, Marvin on the Brink, Lamar Jackson Is the X-Factor," 5 June 2018
For treatment of teething pain, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using teething rings made of firm rubber (not frozen), or gently rubbing or massaging the child's gums with a finger.

— laura mcknight, NOLA.com, "Teething gels pose 'serious risk' to babies, FDA warns," 23 May 2018
Sarah first lovingly double-cleanses my skin and applies toner, using firm, sweeping hand motions that really get into the lymph nodes and massage the pressure points of my face.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "I Tried The ‘Penis Facial’," 16 May 2018
The premise of the sketch is that most of the guys get the usual pampering — the macho fantasy of watching sports while women massage their thick necks (how is this still a thing out there?).

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Second City e.t.c.'s 'Gaslight District' has fun with Uber Pool and Sport Clips but goes a little light on the satire," 9 Apr. 2018
The signature jerk chicken is well done and drier, first massaged in a spice rub then marinated in a blend of soy sauce, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, celery and garlic.

— linda bladholm, miamiherald, "The jerk chicken, fish and ribs at this North Miami spot are for spicy, barbecue lovers | Miami Herald," 28 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of massage

see ¹massage

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1887

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

massage Synonyms

Synonyms

adulate, blarney, butter up, flatter, hero-worship, honey, overpraise, puff, soft-soap, stroke;

Near Antonyms

bad-mouth, belittle, decry, depreciate, disparage, put down;

fawn, kowtow, suck (up to), toady;

idolize, worship;

eulogize, extol (also extoll), laud, praise;

applaud, commend, compliment;

congratulate, felicitate;

drool, gush, slaver, slobber;

endear, ingratiate;

court, romance, woo;

MASSAGE Defined for English Language Learners

massage

noun

Definition of massage for English Language Learners

: the action of rubbing or pressing someone's body in a way that helps muscles to relax or reduces pain in muscles and joints

massage

verb

Definition of massage for English Language Learners

: to rub or press (someone's body) in a way that helps muscles to relax or reduces pain in muscles and joints : to give a massage to (someone or a part of someone's body)
: to change (numbers, data, etc.) in a dishonest way in order to deceive people