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

She says Maxwell asked her to come for a job interview as a masseuse.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

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

Samira Rostami has been getting massages for decades to relieve stress, but in the summer of 2021, a masseuse tried a new technique that would do the opposite of calming the body.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2023

Well, anyhow, let us be thankful to the masseuse for our slender hips.

From The Dangerous Age by Michaëlis, Karin