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

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

“FREE TICKETS,” screamed a text message sent out to people on a RNC donor list.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

Jeffery's twin brother Carlon, who is also an actor, reposted that statement as well as a clip of his sister on a beach and a screenshot of an undated text message.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

In response to a text message sent to a number listed for the address, someone replied that Matson’s claims are false.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

And when Benji’s phone buzzed with an incoming text message, he hung up with a quick goodbye.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty