massage

noun

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mas·sage | \ mə-ˈsäzh

, -ˈsäj

Definition of massage

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

verb

massaged; massaging

Definition of massage (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to subject to massage

2a : to treat flatteringly : blandish

b : manipulate, doctor massaged the data to help his cause

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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 In Los Angeles, meticulously designed massage parlors and facial boutiques like the Now and Heyday, have been trendy for a couple of years. — Flora Tsapovsky, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bay Area's spas and salons take a sleek and chic approach to self-care," 6 Feb. 2021 Sandwich boards placed on sidewalks advertise the services of massage parlors that had been closed for months. — NBC News, "As Covid crisis grows, many California businesses flout the rules," 2 Jan. 2021 Barber shops, hair and nail salons and massage parlors may operate by appointment only. — Vivian Jones, Washington Examiner, "Tennessee’s largest county implements safer-at-home order," 22 Dec. 2020 The lack of such a database today is undermining efforts in Florida to combat human-trafficking networks at illicit massage parlors, Russo said. — Jeanne Whalen, Washington Post, "Congress bans anonymous shell companies after long campaign by anti-corruption groups," 11 Dec. 2020 Under the new restrictions that take effect Wednesday, masks will be required at businesses where employees have close contact with customers for more than 15 minutes, such as salons and massage parlors. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, "Football fan penalty, first pitch, charcoal treatment: News from around our 50 states," 10 Nov. 2020 There is no statewide mandate, but clients and staff in barbershops, salons, tattoo parlors and massage parlors must wear masks, as part of the current Directed Health Measure requirements. — Leah Asmelash, Nakia Mcnabb And Amanda Watts, CNN, "Biden wants to see masks mandated in all 50 states. These are the ones that don't require them," 9 Nov. 2020 Nail salons abut massage parlors and Chinese restaurants and more nail salons. — Matthew Shaer, New York Times, "When the Virus Came for the American Dream," 2 Nov. 2020 Nonessential businesses include gyms, massage parlors, hair salons and in person dining. — Dallas News, "El Paso County judge says he’s shutting down all non-essential business for two weeks, setting up possible COVID-19 confrontation with Abbot," 30 Oct. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Nearly all of the money is for income redistribution—some to people in genuine need, but most to advance long-term Democratic social policies, and to massage constituencies like teachers unions and state politicians. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Biden’s First Spending Blowout," 15 Jan. 2021 Critics say this has allowed the authorities to massage the numbers. — Andrew Higgins, New York Times, "New Data Triples Russia’s Covid-19 Death Toll," 29 Dec. 2020 Critics say this has allowed authorities to massage the numbers. — BostonGlobe.com, "WHO says the coronavirus pandemic might not be the ‘‘big one’’ that experts have long feared," 29 Dec. 2020 Before bed, turn off your devices and take a few minutes to massage your muscles with a hydrating, multi-vitamin cream like The Body Lotion by Nécessaire. — Noel Cody, Essence, "Caring for Yourself," 29 Dec. 2020 First, use your fingertips or Czech’s pro tool to massage and contour the facial muscles, moving along the jawline and upward toward the highs of the cheekbones, under-eye region, and across the forehead. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "How to Heal Dry Skin in Winter, According to a Celebrity Facialist," 22 Dec. 2020 Using an abundance of your oil, ointment, or cream, lather up your hands and massage them for 30 seconds to help with absorption. — Sandra Gutierrez G., Popular Science, "Five tips for taking care of your over-washed hands," 20 Dec. 2020 After applying the balm (or scrub/oil), massage the brush onto your lips in small, circular motions. — Samantha Driscoll, Better Homes & Gardens, "These Are the Lip Care Products You Need, According to Dermatologists," 29 Oct. 2020 If your skin doesn't break out (any more than usual, anyway), massage a few drops of oil over your skin at the end of your skincare routine at night. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "The 20 Best Face Oils For Every Single Skin Type," 30 Nov. 2020

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.

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Dictionary Entries near massage

massage someone's ego

Massagetae

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Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for massage

massage

noun

English Language Learners Definition of massage

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

English Language Learners Definition of massage (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

See the full definition for massage in the English Language Learners Dictionary

massage

noun

mas·sage | \ mə-ˈsäzh