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

The crown jewel of the spa is the rich menu of Mayan therapies, which include full-body, neck and abdominal massages, where a local medicinal healer uses native herbs, copal and sacred fire to cleanse the auric field and open energy channels, ancestral abdominal massages and more. —Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

In addition, at-home tactics that may help minimize the appearance of cellulite include lymphatic drainage massage, topical retinol, collagen peptides supplementation, and dry brushing. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2025

Verb

Step 2: Cleaning and Exfoliation A soothing oil blend of lavender, cypress, cedar wood, and rosemary was massaged on to the scalp to ease the senses and open up the follicles. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Apply the product or device in a circular motion, massaging gently for about five minutes. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

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

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