WordGarden.iomessage
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɛsɪdʒ/
US
- /ˈmɛsədʒ/
Meanings
Noun
a communication sent or given to someone
the main idea or lesson someone wants to communicate
Verb
to send a written or digital communication to someone
Beyond the definition
A message is simply information sent from one person or place to another. It can be as simple as a quick text to a friend or as serious as an important warning. Think of it as sending a small piece of what you want someone else to know.
Messages are not always spoken or written; a flashing red light can be a message that warns of danger. A smile can be a message of friendship. Even silence can send a strong message. In stories, messages often move events forward; one note, one bit of news, or one letter that never arrives can change everything.
A message is any communication – whether spoken, written, visual, or even nonverbal – intended to convey information, feelings, thoughts, or intentions from a sender to a receiver. It is the core of how we connect and understand each other.
The word "message" traces back to the Old French word message, meaning "news" or "tidings." Originally, it referred specifically to something delivered by a messenger – a letter carried on horseback, for example. But over time, its meaning broadened to encompass any form of communication.
You might send a text message to coordinate plans with friends ("Meet you at 7?"), or receive a warning message from your car's computer ("Low Tire Pressure"). Businesses use marketing messages to attract customers, and artists create artistic messages through their work.
Messages can be intentional – like a carefully crafted speech – or unintentional – like the body language you display without realizing it. They can be direct ("Please close the door") or indirect (a pointed sigh). In computer science, a message is a signal sent to trigger an action in a program. Even nature sends messages: the changing colors of leaves signal the coming winter.
So whether it's a simple greeting, a complex instruction, or a subtle cue, a message is always about transferring meaning from one point to another – and understanding those meanings is key to navigating the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Phone message
I left you a message after lunch.
- 2
Text message
She sent me a quick message to say she was running late.
- 3
Taking a message
Can I take a message, or would you like to call back later?
- 4
Phone notifications
He woke up to three new messages on his phone.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Computer error
I got an error message when I tried to open the file.
- 6
Teacher advice
The teacher's message was simple: be kind to each other.
- 7
Film theme
The film has a clear message about climate change.
- 8
Indirect communication
His silence sent a message to the rest of the team.
- Phrasesend a message
communicate an idea or feeling, even without saying it directly
- 9
Indirect hint
I told him twice, but he still didn't get the message.
- Phraseget the message
understand what someone is trying to tell you, often indirectly
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- messagenounverb
Forms
- messagespluralnounverb
- messaging-ing formverbnoun
- messagedpast tenseverbnoun