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instant message

[ in-stuhnt mes-ij ]

noun

  1. an electronic message sent in real time via the internet and therefore immediately available for display on the recipient's screen. Compare text message.

verb (used without object)

  1. to send such an electronic message. : IM Compare text ( def 16 ).

instant message

noun

  1. a message sent using instant-messaging technology
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to send an instant message (to)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of instant message1

First recorded in 1980–85

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instantlyinstant messaging

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