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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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 Literature

"Send Bradley an instant message!"

From Literature

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

From Literature

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

From Washington Times