message
MEHS-ihj
Message (noun) means a piece of information sent from one person to another, whether spoken, written, or electronic. Example: “There was a message from the school waiting for me on my phone.”
noun
1
A piece of information sent from one person to another, whether spoken, written, or electronic.
"There was a message from the school waiting for me on my phone."
"She left a message on his voicemail."
"I got your message about the meeting time."
2
The main idea or lesson that a story, speech, or piece of art is trying to convey.
"The speaker's message was simple: small acts of help can change a neighbourhood."
"Children's books often carry a gentle message about sharing and being brave."
"The film’s message about kindness resonated with audiences."
verb
1
To send someone a message, especially by text or online chat.
"I'll message you the address as soon as I know where we are meeting."
"Message me when you get home safe."
"They’ve been messaging each other all week."
How to use message
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA piece of information sent to someone, or the underlying point of something (like a story).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
send a message
get the message
message someone
text message
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Word forms
- Plural
- messages
- Third person singular
- messages
- Past tense
- messaged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was a _____ from the school waiting for me on my phone.
Etymology
From Old French message, from Late Latin missaticum, based on Latin mittere ("to send").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for message
See all rhymes for message →Frequently asked questions
What does “message” mean?
The word “message” means a piece of information sent from one person to another, whether spoken, written, or electronic. In plain terms, a piece of information sent to someone, or the underlying point of something (like a story).
How do you pronounce “message”?
“Message” is pronounced MEHS-ihj (/ˈmɛs.ɪdʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “message” in a sentence?
Here is “message” used in a sentence: “She left a message on his voicemail.”
What part of speech is “message”?
Depending on how it is used, “message” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “message” come from?
The word “message” comes from Late Latin. From Old French message, from Late Latin missaticum, based on Latin mittere ("to send").
Is “message” a common word?
“Message” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “message” have?
“Message” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of information sent from one person to another, whether spoken, written, or electronic.
What is the difference between a message and a text?
A message is any piece of information sent from one person to another — spoken, written, or electronic. A text, short for text message, is one specific kind of message sent between phones. So every text is a message, but messages also include emails, voicemails, letters, and notes passed by hand.
What are the main types of messages?
Messages come in several forms. Spoken messages are passed by voice, in person or as voicemail. Written messages include notes and letters. Electronic messages cover emails, texts, and app chats. Some are private between two people; others are broadcast to many, like an announcement. The channel differs, but the purpose is to convey information.
What does the 'message' of a story or speech mean?
Beyond a note sent between people, 'message' can mean the central idea or lesson someone wants to communicate. The message of a story is its underlying point or moral; the message of a speech is the main thing the speaker wants you to take away. It is the meaning behind the words.
What makes a message clear?
A clear message states its point simply, uses words the receiver will understand, and leaves little room for confusion. Keeping it short, organizing it logically, and choosing the right channel all help. A message succeeds when the person receiving it understands exactly what the sender meant, without needing to guess.
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