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
Luck continued to be on my side as one of my first to-dos was to head to the hotel's spa for a 60-minute massage. Christine Burroni, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 Everyone opted for a traditional massage, which required a preliminary consultation. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 And in the movie, Dexter's then-partner Sylvie is concerned Dexter has slept with the bride — something Emma later confirms in conversation with him, again with the incident being dubbed as a foot massage that escalated. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 After the scrub, you’ll be treated to a relaxing 50-minute Swedish-style massage. Ben Davidson, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Its compression and massage features are designed to relax you into a restful sleep. Anna Smoot, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 The Ranch Hudson Valley will offer three- and four-night programs (available from Monday through Thursday and Thursday through Monday, respectively) that incorporate low-impact exercises, hikes, yoga, massages, and hot and cold plunges. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 The cozy full-service spa dates back to 1976 and offers everything from massages and facials to pedicures and select medi-spa treatments in the comfort of a charming heritage home. Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The sound of the waves and the gurgle of cascading water radiate a monastic serenity; the spa has a fine selection of hot-stone and deep-tissue massages. Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
Using air pressure, heat, and vibration, this mask gently massages your temples, helping to soothe sore eyes and headaches. Medea Giordano, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2024 Squeeze the indentation between the two digits with your opposite hand's thumb and index finger and massage in a circular motion for five minutes, then switch hands. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Feb. 2024 Slowly work your hands up toward your rib bones and continue massaging straight across your abdomen and down to the left hip bone. Julia Ries, SELF, 12 Feb. 2024 According to her one-time personal assistant, Tim Mendelson, filling in her brows and taking time to massage moisturizer into her skin were favorite parts of her routine. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 Without Phil Jackson to massage his psyche, Dennis Rodman flailed around for a while and retired. Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2023 Features on new Ram 1500 Tungsten: Indigo/Sea Salt interior color scheme Suede headliner, A- and B-pillars and sun visors Klipsch 23-speaker audio with 1,228 watts 24-way power, massaging seats 3. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid Skin Type: Oily Skin, Normal Skin, Combination Skin Product Type: Serum Size: 50ml and 15ml How to Apply: Apply a thin layer onto clean, dry skin before moisturizer, and gently massage it in. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024 The soft silicone bristles gently exfoliate and massage your skin, enhancing your cleansing routine while providing a soothing experience. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 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 29 Mar. 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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