text message

American  

noun

text messages plural

1. an electronic message sent over a cellular network from one cell phone to another by typing words, often in shortened form, as “l8t” for “late,” on the phone's numeric or QWERTY keypad.

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text message British  

noun

1. a written message sent by means of a mobile phone

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• text messages
  plural

Etymology

Origin of text message

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The rapprochement usually starts out small, maybe with a text message here or there or small talk at a family event.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

Still, there was something undeniably thrilling about receiving a text message from my dog.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2026

A spokesperson for Pratt did not immediately respond to phone calls and a text message seeking comment Saturday afternoon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

The German, during the opening months of his reign, would stay in regular contact with the trio via text message - assuring them of how important they were to his plans.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Kosi laughed graciously and promised to send the woman a text message with details of her skin-care routine.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie