Massage Meaning
/ˈmæsɑː(d)ʒ/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe 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.
nounThe action of rubbing or kneading anything.
Sentence Examples
I want a massage. I need to relax.
Would you like me to massage your chest?
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the long run, she booked a relaxing ____ to ease her sore muscles.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He booked a relaxing ____ to relieve the tension in his muscles after a long week of work.
Word Origin & History
From French massage (noun), from masser (“to massage”) (borrowed around the end of the 18th century from Arabic مَسَّ (massa, “feel, touch”), or from Portuguese amassar) + -age. Cognate to German massieren.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"During the long lapses in work common with on-location productions, Marilyn would silently meditate as Roberts provided a shoulder massage."
— 2014, Gary Vitacco-Robles, Icon: The Life, Times and Films of Marilyn Monroe Volume 2 1956-1962 AND Beyond:
"So after massaging a nude woman while being nude or nearly nude myself, sex is a natural way to end things."
— 2010 January 11, Julian Kaye, Massage Therapy:
"News relating to public disturbances was systematically massaged [...]."
— 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin, published 2003, page 118:
"The Conservatives have massaged expectations down by saying they would be delighted with a majority of 1,000 […]"
— 2008 May 22, Patrick Wintour, Steven Morris, The Guardian, page 3:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the long run, she booked a relaxing ____ to ease her sore muscles.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He booked a relaxing ____ to relieve the tension in his muscles after a long week of work.