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

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Etymology

Origin of text message

First recorded in 1975–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

text message

If the language of the text message is ambiguous, lacks intent, or could be referring to any number of transactions, you would have a steep hill to climb.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 27, 2026

In December 2025, Nathan's mother Valerie Stobbart received a text message that plunged her life into turmoil.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

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

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 only has two words in her text message: United Nations.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

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