message

American  

[mes-ij] / ˈmɛs ɪdʒ /

noun

1. a communication containing some information, news, advice, request, or the like, sent by messenger, telephone, email, or other means.

2. an official communication, as from a chief executive to a legislative body.

   the president's message to Congress.

3. Digital Technology. a post or reply on an online message board.

4. the inspired utterance of a prophet or sage.

5. the point, moral, or meaning of a gesture, utterance, novel, motion picture, etc.

6. Computers. a warning, permission, etc., communicated by the system or software to the user.

   an error message;

   a message to allow blocked content.

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verb (used without object)

1. to send a message, especially an electronic message.

verb (used with object)

1. to send (a person) a message.

2. to send as a message.

idioms

1. get the message, to understand or comprehend, especially to infer the correct meaning from circumstances, hints, etc..

   If we don't invite him to the party, maybe he'll get the message.

message British  

/ ˈmɛsɪdʒ /

noun

1. a communication, usually brief, from one person or group to another

2. an implicit meaning or moral, as in a work of art

3. a formal communiqué

4. an inspired communication of a prophet or religious leader

5. a mission; errand

6. (plural) shopping

   going for the messages

7. informal to understand what is meant

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verb

1. (tr) to send as a message, esp to signal (a plan, etc)

message More Idioms  

1. see get the message.

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Other Word Forms

• intermessage
  noun

Etymology

Origin of message

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin missāticum (unrecorded), equivalent to Latin miss(us) “sent” (past participle of mittere “to send”) + -āticum -age

Explanation

A message is a communication or statement conveyed from one person or group to another. If you call my house phone and I’m out running an errand, you’ll be asked to “please leave a message after the beep.” Generally transmitted verbally or in writing, a message can also be sent via a look or a gesture. In today’s world, people tend to use email to send a short message. But in ye olden days, pre-internet and when the post was faster, people relied on the art of letter writing to send a message. The noun can also have a moral or pointed implication. For instance, the story's moral message was to always tell the truth.

Example Sentences

I think that strength goes far beyond music, it’s really a message for all the musicians that we are.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

Hegseth drew particular attention for a series of blunt, widely circulated lines that underscored his message.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

And in launching what is likely to be the biggest IPO ever, Musk is yet again leaning in to a message of hope.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Her mother Kamila has a message for mothers around the world.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

This morning, after I had a terrible row with Mila, I received a message about the new assignment.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• directive
• information
• letter
• memo
• memorandum
• news
• note
• notice
• report
• word