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

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

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

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2025

So I booked an appointment, and Dominic tried to bite the masseuse.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2024

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

After three or four days in bed have somewhat accustomed the patient to the general routine of treatment, a masseur or masseuse is set to work.

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