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

More recently, as China assailed Japan, text messages and photos that Taiwan officials said came from the Chinese military spread the claim that Takaichi had been bribed by Taiwanese diplomats.

From The Wall Street Journal

Newly-released text messages and depositions from California State Parks staffers offer details of state actions and interactions with firefighters after Lachman fire ignited, before it rekindled Jan. 7 into Palisades blaze.

From Los Angeles Times

“He swears to me that nobody ever told him verbally or through a text message that there was any hot spots,” Moore said.

From Los Angeles Times

Admani was vacationing in Costa Rica on Sunday night when his cellphone rattled repeatedly from a series of text messages.

From The Wall Street Journal

The baby was found by family following the text messages and Dyfed-Powys Police attended.

From BBC