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
Pro tip: perform a cooling face massage in the AM to alleviate morning puffiness and fluid buildup. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 July 2024 Only the sweetest of smells can be scented at the hotel's spa, where bespoke massages are a great way to relax after a stint in the rooftop pool or adjacent gym. Kari Wilkin, The Week Uk, theweek, 2 July 2024
Verb
With the help of precision ball and flat disc attachments, this gadget utilizes sound wave technology to massage and (temporarily) diminish the appearance of fine lines like crow's feet and nasolabial lines. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 July 2024 The Executive package adds in heated and cooler cup holders, and massaging front and rear heated leather seats. Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 30 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for massage 

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 15 Jul. 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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