Definition

Noun: A woman whose occupation is to give massages. A masseuse provides therapeutic or relaxing manipulation of the body's muscles and soft tissues.

Usage

The word "masseuse" is used to specifically refer to a female professional who performs massage therapy. It is important to note that in modern professional contexts, the gender-neutral terms "massage therapist" or "massage practitioner" are often preferred.

Examples

• She booked an appointment with a masseuse to relieve her back pain.
• The spa employs a skilled masseuse who specializes in deep tissue techniques.
• After the marathon, many runners visited the masseuse for recovery.

Advanced Usage

• While "masseuse" is a standard English word, its use has declined in some professional settings due to historical associations. The male counterpart is "masseur."
• In legal or formal business contexts (e.g., spa licenses, job titles), the term "licensed massage therapist (LMT)" is typically used regardless of gender.

Variants and Related Words

• Masseur (noun): A man whose occupation is to give massages.
• Massage Therapist (noun): A gender-neutral professional term for a person trained in massage.
• Massage (noun/verb): The treatment itself or the act of performing it.

Synonyms

• Massage therapist
• Rubdown specialist (informal)
• Bodyworker (in certain therapeutic contexts)

Notes on Usage

The term "masseuse" is still widely understood and used, particularly in informal or general contexts. However, learners should be aware of the shift toward gender-neutral language in professional healthcare and wellness fields.

Noun

1. a female massager