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

After his journey retracing his life off-grid, he decided to send his mother a text message.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Jennifer Rivera, a former senior aide to City Councilmember Gil Cedillo, who was defeated by Hernandez, confirmed in a text message to The Times that she is one of the group’s consultants.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

“Those kids were more interested in studying than sports, as you can imagine,” he said in a text message.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

A text message sent by Wilson to the producer Ghost and shown to the court read: "Charlotte says all good. She just meant 'it was a bizarre situation' not that she personally felt uncomfortable."

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

As their conversation turns more urgent, I tap my phone twice and send out a text message to the police.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu