massage

1 of 2

noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh How to pronounce massage (audio) -ˈsäj How to pronounce massage (audio)
: 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 2

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

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
No matter the reason for your soreness, the best massage guns can help. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2024 While there's no spa, property manager Maria Rodriguez de Campos can arrange for in-villa massages on the beach or on the private terrace with nothing but the soundtrack of ocean waves. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024 The massage gun uses Theragun's gentle level of percussive massage therapy – perfect for those who prefer a milder, soothing massage that still provides relief. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Apr. 2024 Among those in the know, he is heralded for his buccal massage (all his facial treatments start at $275). Annie Blay, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024 The latter, in particular, feels especially suited to runners—each treatment room has its own hydrotherapy tub for warm soaks, and the spa menu includes the Boston Energy hot stone massage. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Apr. 2024 Another found that massages boosted the mood of breast cancer patients. Joanne Silberner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024 Deep facial massages Pros: Distinct heart shape fits the grooves of the face. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024 For example, one study showed that daily 20-minute gentle massages for six weeks in older people with dementia decreased aggressiveness and reduced the levels of a stress marker in the blood. Joanne Silberner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Verb
For the best results, massage the product daily into damp or dry skin. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024 After Olea’s arrest, a youth pastor at the church told the Key Biscayne Independent that Olea had to be warned several times not to be alone with his students and was once reported after being seen alone with a high school student aide and massaging her lower back. Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024 Application Method: The most common form for these topicals is a cream or gel that is massaged directly into the joint. Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2024 The fast-absorbing oil can be massaged on post-shower; or, drop it into the bath for a fragrant, skin-nourishing soak. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024 One story alleges that crew members were asked to continuously massage Schneider’s neck on set. Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 Then go in with your hands to massage the bristles or use a clean toothbrush to loosen any gunk or product residue left over and rinse with warm water before laying it out to air dry. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024 Granted, niceties like massaging front seats and a booming 19-speaker McIntosh surround-sound stereo are beyond what the Passport offers. Nick Kurczewski, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024 Participants also reported feeling comfortable while walking Aro and relaxed while massaging her. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'massage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of massage was circa 1860

Dictionary Entries Near massage

Cite this Entry

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

massage

1 of 2 noun
mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh How to pronounce massage (audio) -ˈsäj How to pronounce massage (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce massage (audio) -ˈsäj How to pronounce massage (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on massage

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