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

A Secret Service spokesman told AFP in a text message that the agency was still gathering information about the incident.

From Barron's • May 23, 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

“It’s more that the timing of the injuries would be way easier if they were spaced out,” Friedman said in a text message.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

I’m not enjoying this feeling — I’m leaving his text message as “unread” until I figure this out.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

Can’t you tell that when I saw that text message from Mom, I went back to being a four-year-old again?

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix