message

[ mes-ij ]

noun

1. a communication containing some information, news, advice, request, or the like, sent by messenger, telephone, email, or other means.
2. an official communication, as from a chief executive to a legislative body:

   the president's message to Congress.

3. Digital Technology. a post or reply on an online message board.
4. the inspired utterance of a prophet or sage.
5. the point, moral, or meaning of a gesture, utterance, novel, motion picture, etc.
6. Computers. a warning, permission, etc., communicated by the system or software to the user:

   an error message;

   a message to allow blocked content.

verb (used without object)

1. to send a message, especially an electronic message.

verb (used with object)

1. to send (a person) a message.
2. to send as a message.

message

/ ˈmɛsɪdʒ /

noun

1. a communication, usually brief, from one person or group to another
2. an implicit meaning or moral, as in a work of art
3. a formal communiqué
4. an inspired communication of a prophet or religious leader
5. a mission; errand
6. plural shopping

   going for the messages

7. get the message informal.
   to understand what is meant

verb

1. tr to send as a message, esp to signal (a plan, etc)

Other Words From

• inter·message noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of message¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin missāticum (unrecorded), equivalent to Latin miss(us) “sent” (past participle of mittere “to send”) + -āticum -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of message¹

C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin missāticum (unattested) something sent, from Latin missus, past participle of mittere to send

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get the message, Informal. to understand or comprehend, especially to infer the correct meaning from circumstances, hints, etc.:

   If we don't invite him to the party, maybe he'll get the message.

More idioms and phrases containing message

see get the message .

Example Sentences

In a rambling video message posted Thursday morning, Jones called the takeover a “total attack on free speech”.

From BBC

Getting messages about who to vote for from your pastor or faith leader, who you trust, is much more effective than getting that message from a stranger.

From Salon

Any perceived display of liberal bias was quickly attacked, so the media got the message and gradually acquiesced until liberals and their point of view were marginalized.

From Salon

Of all the president-elect’s picks for his administration so far, this is easily the most controversial - and sends a clear message that Trump intends to shake up the establishment when he returns to power.

From BBC

There's no mistaking the message of goodwill, as a voiceover encourages viewers to "think big", but also asks: "Is it not more Christmassy to give?"

From BBC

Related Words

• directive
• information
• letter
• memo
• memorandum
• news
• note
• notice
• report
• word