masseuse

American  

[muh-soos, -sooz, ma-sœz] / məˈsus, -ˈsuz, maˈsœz /

1. a woman who provides massage as a profession or occupation.

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masseuse British  

/ mæˈsɜːz /

noun

1. a woman who gives massages, esp as a profession

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Etymology

Origin of masseuse

From French, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at massage, -euse

Explanation

The woman with the hands of gold that gets the knots out of your aching back is called a "massage therapist," but for a long time the word masseuse was acceptable. Many women who do massage professionally do not like the term masseuse but it is literally defined as a "female massager." The term has swinging sexy undertones, perhaps conjuring up images of flirty athletic women. While you may be lucky enough to get a massage therapist like this on your next spa visit, don't call her a masseuse. If it's a cute man, don't call him a masseur, either.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

masseuse

Dug may have enjoyed his afternoon with William Riddle, a certified canine masseuse, the most.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2025

Prosecutor Castro confronted him with a series of text messages the Hidden Hills woman had sent to a masseuse 10 days before the accident.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 16, 2024

Series one star Natasha Rothwell will reprise her role as luxury hotel masseuse Belinda.

From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2024

Among the more interesting documents released Wednesday was the May 2016 deposition of Johanna Sjoberg, who worked as a masseuse in Epstein’s household.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 4, 2024

Then I remembered a masseuse, a very German woman, who has called at my home for years to dress my sister's hair.

From Winning a Cause World War Stories by Bigwood, Inez