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

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

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

Croft first met Dolan in 2013 while serving as a masseuse for Eagles lead singer Glenn Frey during their concert tour, according to the suit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2024

Opening out of this are perfectly equipped Turkish and Russian baths in charge of the best Swedish masseur and masseuse procurable.

From Etiquette by Emily Post

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