message — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.

   Examples

   We've just received an urgent message from the President.

   He received a message telling him to update his laptop.

   More examples (3)

   I have a message from God unto thee.

   No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.

   a message which Erle received with a flutter of the heart

2. An errand.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   I had been on a message for my father, and was walking home along the road, when I saw a tall, fine lassie coming over the bogland on the right hand side of the road.

3. An errand to a shop, a shopping expedition; an item of shopping; (in plural) groceries.

   Usage

   • Caribbean
   • Ireland
   • New-Zealand
   • Scotland
   • in-plural

   Examples

   On week days he did messages between the house in Carysfort Avenue and those shops in the main street of the town with which the family dealt.

   Hurry up, man. Look other people in the shop who want message.

4. An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.

   Examples

   The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.

   But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.

Verb

1. To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.

   Examples

   Just message me for directions.

   I messaged her about the concert.

2. To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.

   Examples

   She messaged me the information yesterday.

   Please message the final report by fax.

3. To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   We've implemented a new messaging service.

   The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.

4. To bear as a message.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

Noun

1. a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

   Broader terms

   communication

   Examples

   he sent a three-word message

2. content communicating a message; what something is about

   Synonyms

   contentsubject mattersubstance

   Broader terms

   communication

Verb

1. send a message to

   Broader terms

   communicatepass onpasspass alongput across

   Examples

   She messaged the committee

2. send as a message

   Broader terms

   communicatepass onpasspass alongput across

   Examples

   She messaged the final report by fax

3. send a message

   Broader terms

   communicate

   Examples

   There is no messaging service at this company