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
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 In studies, the combination of massage and almond oil, which contains vitamins D and E, improved the look of stretch marks, whereas popular ingredients including both cocoa butter and olive oil did not, says Dr. Kung. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 Try Acupressure Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine massage where manual pressure is applied to points on the body called acupoints. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Feb. 2024 Next is the steaming process to help lift that debris and thoroughly cleanse the scalp, followed by a scalp massage with a clarifying agent and shampoo. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2024 Some suites feature 180-degree views to capitalize on the skyline, Sanctuary Suites include a massage table, and in-room spa treatments, while Creative Suites feature acoustic paneling and the latest AV technology. Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Or, book a post-surf stretch massage in an oceanside cabana so hearing the crescendo of North Shore waves can lull you into relaxation. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Verb
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 This could include a romantic couples massage with champagne, cooking class, or even a taking a road trip to a romantic place. Rohit Arora, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 With the help of lymphatic drainage in the body, massaging your face with a brush can help reduce swelling and puffiness in your cheeks, forehead, and neck, with additional benefits like wrinkle reduction and product penetration. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2024 This tub has more than 100 air jets that release thousands of tiny bubbles that massage your body. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 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 19 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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