instant message

American  

[in-stuhnt mes-ij] / ˈɪn stənt ˈmɛs ɪdʒ /

noun

1. an electronic message sent in real time via the internet and therefore immediately available for display on the recipient's screen.

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verb (used without object)

1. to send such an electronic message. IM

instant message British  

noun

1. a message sent using instant-messaging technology

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verb

1. to send an instant message (to)

Etymology

Origin of instant message

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

He read a July 30, 2017, WhatsApp instant message from Hunter to a Chinese investor and Communist Party official.

From Washington Times • Jul. 10, 2023

It operates like a giant version of the autocomplete technology that suggests the next word as you type out an email or an instant message on your smartphone.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2023

Otherwise, consider writing an email, sending an instant message to the group or recording a podcast to convey information.

From Washington Post • Jan. 25, 2023

Still, this could be a handy new feature that may help WhatsApp gain a slight advantage over Apple’s iMessage instant message service.

From The Verge • Aug. 8, 2022

Bess and George peered over Nancy's shoulder as she sent Ned an instant message: "Hi Ned. Do U know a fourth grader who snowboards in the park?"

From "Case of the Sneaky Snowman: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #5" by Carolyn Keene