text message

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of text message

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Their testimony and text messages show that their initial concern was whether the fire was on parkland and whether firefighting efforts and equipment would harm federally endangered plants and artifacts.

From Los Angeles Times

They had stayed in touch via calls and text messages, Beyra said, with the last of those exchanged less than two weeks ago.

From Barron's

Aviles told the San Antonio Express-News, which published the text messages first, that the relationship and the professional ostracization his wife faced after it was discovered led her to become despondent before her death.

From Salon

In an interview Thursday night, Barrera said the first half of the email not included in Gonzales’ social media post described text messages between the former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, and the congressman.

From Salon

In a text message with ProPublica, Stone said he had received the letter from a journalist who’d gotten it from the family.

From Salon