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

And Wonho's must-have tour items include a massage ball, a massage gun, pairs of white and black athletic socks and his medicine pouch. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024

Go for a massage in one of the open-air treatment rooms, and stay for the hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, and high-tech steam showers. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

Then, when massaging it onto skin, its shea butter-rich formula creates a protective moisture barrier for a full day’s wear. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Simply apply the formula to your scalp daily and massage it in to see results in as soon as 90 days, according to the brand. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 5 Dec. 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