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

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

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

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

“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

Within ten days the whole spine could be rubbed freely from top to bottom, and from the first I directed the masseuse to be relentless in her manipulation of this part of the body.

From Fat and Blood An Essay on the Treatment of Certain Forms of Neurasthenia and Hysteria by Mitchell, John K.