English · Word Candidate

massage

/ˈmæsɑː(d)ʒ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: massages · massaging · massaged

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The action of rubbing, kneading or hitting someone's body, to help the person relax, prepare for muscular action (as in contact sports) or to relieve aches.

Noun

Examples

Having a massage can have many beneficial effects.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The action of rubbing or kneading anything.

Noun

Examples

The baker gave the dough one final massage.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To rub and knead (someone's body or body part), to perform a massage on (somebody).

Verb

Examples

My neck doesn't hurt as much as it did last night since my wife massaged me after I got back from the concert.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To rub or knead anything.

Verb

Examples

Massage the kale to soften it before making the salad.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “massage” mean?

The action of rubbing, kneading or hitting someone's body, to help the person relax, prepare for muscular action (as in contact sports) or to relieve aches.

Is “massage” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.