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

The ship’s wellness wing contains an indoor pool with ample lounge seating, massage rooms featuring Biologique Recherche product treatments, hair salon, a sauna with sea views, and a snow room. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Pintabona said massage therapists joined in on the volunteering and provided the crews with free massages to ease their muscles. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Verb

The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

While there are no general downsides to using a body scrub, the dermatologists warn not to massage them too roughly into skin. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 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