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

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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

At first, the relationship was mostly the source of mockery that someone of the his stature apparently needs a full-time ego masseuse who often totes around enormous bags, which have generated speculation about their contents.

From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026

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

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2025

Giufrre claimed she was approached by Epstein’s then-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, to be a masseuse for Epstein while working at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2025

Dug may have enjoyed his afternoon with William Riddle, a certified canine masseuse, the most.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2025

She doesn't get up till noon, and has her masseuse for an hour every morning, her manicure and her mental science visitor every other day, and her face steamed three times a week!

From The Climbers A Play in Four Acts by Clyde Fitch

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