text message

American  

noun

• text messages
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• text messages
  plural

Etymology

Origin of text message

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

text message

Jerry Lin, head of the Taoyuan union, said the union has yet to set a strike date, but noted that a "surprise strike" could be called via text message to members.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

Every text message would be treated as a state secret.

From Salon ● Sep. 17, 2026

In a text message, Owens referred questions to her lawyer, who didn’t respond to requests for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

She said the pieces then fell into place, remembering that Woodhouse had once sent a text message about her to a former employee of the housing association.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Uncle Phil sent Mom two GIFs and a text message.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day