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

For that first meeting, Ford gathered six women — female friends, her masseuse, a favorite aunt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

A 33-year-old masseuse, who did not want to be named, said there was "so much fear in the streets and in our homes".

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

“The wellness benefits I had access to were things like an in-office masseuse, guided meditation sessions, along with access to therapy,” he said.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2024

Later during the tour, Croft said that a company owned by Azoff requested she fly from her home in Tennessee to California to work as a masseuse for the Eagles and other tour members.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2024

There were the inescapable appointments with her hairdresser, her manicurist, her masseuse, and the small army of personal attendants who joined their efforts in the conservation and embellishment of her body beautiful.

From Thirty by O'Brien, Howard Vincent