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

"Just wanted to make sure you guys were considering it," one follower said in what looks to be an instant message that may or may not be photoshopped.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2022

Probably the easiest way to share a file is to just attach a document to an email, or to a Slack or other instant message.

From The Verge • Jan. 15, 2022

Just as I’d finished reading it, an instant message window popped up on my display.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline