instant message

[ in-stuhnt mes-ij ]

/ ˈɪn stənt ˈmɛs ɪdʒ /

Digital Technology

Save This Word!

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).

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2022

How to use instant message in a sentence

When it comes to educating our children, Congress should heed that message, not ignore it.
The ‘No Child’ Rewrite Threatens Your Kids’ Future|Jonah Edelman|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Leelah Alcorn's message was sent, and heard, and things started changing.
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism|Arthur Chu|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Does the sending of the message “justify” the tragedy that caused it?
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism|Arthur Chu|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But the act of killing herself done, the message was sent, and heard, and things started changing.
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism|Arthur Chu|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The audio message featured the words, “the real battle in Lebanon is yet to begin.”
A Sunni-Shia Love Story Imperiled by al Qaeda|Ruth Michaelson|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But at the instant I caught a sight of my counterfeit presentment in a shop window, and veiled my haughty crest.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
How is it that one instant of time should work those effects in the human mind which are so lasting in their results!
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
Wharton and Louis had withdrawn their hands at the same instant they caught his eye; and the Duke turned into the circle.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
Blanche stood an instant looking into the lighted room and hesitating—flushed a little, smiling, extremely pretty.
Confidence|Henry James
His head fell back limp on MacRae's arm, and the rest of the message went with the game old Dutchman across the big divide.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012