What does massager mean?
A massager is someone who massages the body, usually as a trained practitioner of therapeutic or relaxation massage. The word may also refer to a device that kneads, rolls, vibrates, or otherwise applies pressure to the muscles. Professional practitioners commonly provide services related to injury recovery, pain relief, circulation, relaxation, or general physical well-being, although the term alone does not imply that every practitioner is medically qualified. As a device, a massager is often marketed for the feet, neck, shoulders, or back and is used in settings such as the home, a gym, or a spa. The word is most useful when the specific kind of practitioner or product is relevant, since “massage therapist” may suggest professional credentials more strongly than “massager” alone.
nounA person who massages clients, especially as an occupational therapist or practitioner of therapeutic massage. It can also denote a device designed to massage the body.
- A person who practices massage, especially professionally.
- A device that applies pressure or vibration to the body for massage.
"She visited a professional massager to relieve tension in her shoulders."
"The trained massager advised her to rest before the second session."
"He switched on the foot massager while reading in bed."
Plural is used for multiple practitioners or devices of this kind.
"The clinic has several qualified massagers on its staff."
The same word can name both a hands-on practitioner and a battery-powered device, making “massager” unusually versatile.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does massager come from?
“Massager” was formed in English from the French “massageur,” meaning a person who gives a massage, with the agent suffix “-er.” The French noun derives from “massage,” which comes from an Arabic word referring to pressing or kneading and ultimately entered French through medieval usage associated with massage practitioners. English later developed “masseur” and “masseuse” as parallel forms alongside the less gender-specific “massager.”
How massager is actually used
In modern English, “massager” is most often used for a practitioner or a small mechanical device. “Masseur” and “masseuse” remain common professional terms, with the latter conventionally indicating a woman.
Easily confused with massager
A masseur is a person trained in massage, whereas a massager may refer either to such a person or to a mechanical device used to massage the body.