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 treatment menu is similarly tight, offering a handful of massages plus a couple of facial treatments—most of which use products from French brand Cinq Mondes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Apart from enjoying the Tuscan fare, guests can unwind at Spa La Corte, which offers personalized massages, aromatherapy, holistic wellness treatments, and Tibetan singing bowl healing sessions to restore the mind and body. — Tianna Soto, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026

Verb

The peaceful massaging relaxation of these luxurious tubs can be a dream for many. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2026

Combined with massaging seats, powerful climate control and extensive sound insulation, the technology turns an unpleasant commute into something approaching a sensory deprivation chamber. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 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