massage

1 of 2

noun

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 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

Synonyms

Verb

• adulate
• belaud
• blarney
• butter up
• flatter
• hero-worship
• honey
• overpraise
• puff
• soft-soap
• stroke

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

Typically performed in the spa’s VIP Earth Suite, the treatment begins with a scalp massage and application of thermal mud made by Natura Bissé. —Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Warm compress and massage: Apply a warm cloth for 10 minutes, then gently massage the breast for 15 minutes. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

It’s recommended by the brand to massage it into the skin for at least 30 seconds or until the oil has been absorbed, two to three times daily for the course of three months. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024

Pro tip: Use these globes for massaging your serums and cream onto your skin to promote absorption. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 1 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing massage

• massage parlor
• massage someone's ego
• massage therapist
• massage therapy
• Swedish massage

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