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

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

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

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2025

“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

A more leisurely inspection of the room, however, showed this operating-table to be the only item—if a large-boned Swedish masseuse be omitted—directly reminiscent of a surgery.

From Through stained glass by George Agnew Chamberlain