masseuse

American  

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

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

---

masseuse British  

/ mæˈsɜːz /

noun

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

---

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

Her words were echoed by the masseuse, who also warned that the current situation was perilous, telling the BBC: "There's so much fear in the streets and in our homes."

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

The first singer to take the stage was Trip Kennedy, a bearded masseuse who performed “The Rainbow Connection” in a sweet tenor.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

So I booked an appointment, and Dominic tried to bite the masseuse.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 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

Vere had engaged a masseuse to come on the Friday night.

From The Spinster 1905 by Hichens, Robert Smythe