instant message
[ in-stuhnt mes-ij ]
/ ˈɪn stənt ˈmɛs ɪdʒ /
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noun
an electronic message sent in real time via the internet and therefore immediately available for display on the recipient's screen.Compare text message.
verb (used without object)
to send such an electronic message. Abbreviation: IMCompare text (def. 16).
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Origin of instant message
First recorded in 1980–85
historical usage of instant message
See internet.
Words nearby instant message
instanter, instantiate, instantiation, instantize, instantly, instant message, instant messaging, instant photography, instant replay, instar, instate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for instant message
British Dictionary definitions for instant message
instant message
noun
a message sent using instant-messaging technology
verb instant-message
to send an instant message (to)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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