Message

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈmÉ›sɪdÊ’/

Origin

Old French, from Late Latin missaticum, from Latin mittere, missum ("to send").

Full definition of message

Noun

1. A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
• Bible, Judges iii. 20I have a message from God unto thee.
• 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 4, No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.
2. We've just received an urgent message from the President.
3. An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
• 2013-06-29, Travels and travails, Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.
4. The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.

Usage notes

In Ireland, Scotland and Northern England, messages (plural) can mean "groceries, shopping".

Derived terms

• instant message
• text message

Abbreviations

• msg

Verb

1. To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.Just message me for directions.I messaged her about the concert.
2. To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.She messaged me the information yesterday.Please message the final report by fax.
3. (intransitive) To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.We've implemented a new messaging service.The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
4. (obsolete) To bear as a message.

Synonyms

• (send a text message to) text