text message

American  

noun

1. an electronic message sent over a cellular network from one cell phone to another by typing words, often in shortened form, as “l8t” for “late,” on the phone's numeric or QWERTY keypad.

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text message British  

noun

1. a written message sent by means of a mobile phone

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Etymology

Origin of text message

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

“With bg. All you would have to say, is you should know that I’ve told jeffrey everything – everything,” Epstein wrote in a text message.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Asked to respond to the lawmakers’ allegations and ProPublica’s reporting, Navarro in a text message wrote “Staggering level of hyperbole. More fake news” but did not elaborate.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

The other set is given on the night by viewers voting via telephone, text message or the official app.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

The victim, who requested not to be identified, initially received a text message on March 18 asking him to confirm a $350 Apple Store purchase made with his credit card.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

“SJ. Which you know from the I'll have SJ drop me off text message you responded to fifteen minutes ago.”

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone