What does "message" mean?

1. (sent information) a piece of information that you send to someone or leave for them. 2. (main idea) the most important idea that a book, film, or speech tries to teach. 3. (shopping or errands) small tasks or food shopping you do for your home. 4. (to send a text) to send someone a written electronic communication, usually on a phone or computer.

How do you use "message"?

Often used with the verbs 'leave', 'send', or 'get'. Almost always used in the plural form 'messages'. Can be used transitively with a person as the object or intransitively.

message

n. · v.

US //ˈmɛsədʒ// UK //mˈɛsɪdʒ// mes·sage

1 sent information (n.)
A1 Beginner

a piece of information that you send to someone or leave for them.

a communication transmitted between parties, whether written, spoken, or electronic.

Example

I left a message on her phone because she didn't answer my call.

Example

The receptionist took a detailed message from the client, ensuring that every specific requirement was noted for the director's review.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'leave', 'send', or 'get'.
2 main idea (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the most important idea that a book, film, or speech tries to teach.

the underlying theme, moral, or social conclusion intended to be conveyed by a creative work or public discourse.

Example

The movie has a strong message about protecting the environment.

Example

Critics debated whether the novel's political message was too overt, potentially overshadowing the nuanced development of its central characters.

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3 shopping or errands (n.)
C1 Advanced British English Dialect

small tasks or food shopping you do for your home.

a regional term for household errands or grocery shopping, typically used in the plural.

Example

I'm just going into town to do my messages for the week.

Example

She spent the Saturday morning running messages for her elderly neighbour before starting her own housework.

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form 'messages'.

Teacher's tip

This usage is specific to Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Northern England; most English speakers will only understand the 'communication' sense.
4 to send a text (v.)
A2 Elementary

to send someone a written electronic communication, usually on a phone or computer.

to transmit an electronic communication to a recipient, typically via instant messaging or SMS.

Example

I will message you the address of the restaurant later tonight.

Example

The team members messaged each other constantly throughout the project to coordinate their various tasks and deadlines.

Usage

Can be used transitively with a person as the object or intransitively.
- text
- contact

Origin

From Middle English message, from Old French message, from Early Medieval Latin missāticum, derived from Latin mittere (“send”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *meyth₂- (“to exchange”). Partially displaced Old English ærende (whence errand).

Word family

Nounmessage
NounSMS

Idioms2 entries