English Reference

Word

SMS

Phoneticssms

/ˌɛˌsɛˈmɛs/

Countable & uncountable

Definition

n. Stands for Short Message Service. A short text message sent from one mobile phone to another. It is the standard way to send a quick note without using the internet or an app.

n. Abbreviation for Short Message Service. A protocol for sending short text messages between mobile devices. Often used metonymically to refer to the message itself.

Examples

“I sent an SMS to let him know I arrived safely.”

“The bank sends an SMS with a one-time code whenever you try to log in from a new device.”

“While instant messaging apps have become the primary mode of digital communication, the SMS remains a critical fallback for emergency alerts and two-factor authentication in areas with poor data coverage.”

Examples

simple

“I sent an SMS to let him know I arrived safely.”

contextual

“The bank sends an SMS with a one-time code whenever you try to log in from a new device.”

complex

“While instant messaging apps have become the primary mode of digital communication, the SMS remains a critical fallback for emergency alerts and two-factor authentication in areas with poor data coverage.”

Usage

Countable when referring to the message; uncountable when referring to the technology or service.

Etymology

From German SMS.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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