message
Message (noun) means a piece of information sent from one person to another, whether spoken, written, or electronic. Example: “She left a message on his voicemail.”
How to use message
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA piece of information sent to someone, or the underlying point of something (like a story).
Word forms
messaged past tense, messages plural, messages singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She left a _____ on his voicemail.
Etymology
From Old French message, from Late Latin missaticum, based on Latin mittere ("to send").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include message: