instant message

[in-stuhnt mes-ij]

noun

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

verb (used without object)

1. to send such an electronic message. IM

instant message

noun

1. a message sent using instant-messaging technology

verb

1. to send an instant message (to)

Word History and Origins

Origin of instant message¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Chris and his friends, who come from a melting pot of East and Southeast Asian American families, have sprouted up in a digital landscape that flowers with MySpace Top 8s, power-pop band merch and AOL Instant Message chimes.

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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?"

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"Send Bradley an instant message!"

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"You've got an instant message, Nancy," George said.

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

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