WordGarden.iotext
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɛkst/
US
- /ˈtɛkst/
Meanings
Noun
the written words or wording of a document, message, or other piece of writing
a message sent by phone or similar device, usually by SMS or messaging app
written characters or words treated as digital data, such as plain text in a file or interface
More meaningsFewer meanings
a book or other written work assigned or used for study
Verb
to send someone a written message by phone or similar device
Beyond the definition
The word "text" is used in a few common ways. First, it means written words, especially the main part of a book, article, speech, or other piece of writing. In school, for example, a student may study a difficult text in class. Second, in everyday life, it often means a text message sent by phone. If someone says, "I'll send you a text," they usually mean a short digital message. The word also has an old link to weaving: it comes from a Latin root connected with things being woven together, which helps explain why writing can be seen as words joined into a meaningful whole.
Here are some examples: "The professor assigned a challenging text for our literature class." "I sent my friend a text asking if she was still coming." "Please read the text at the top of the page carefully."
"Text" is a flexible English word with both old and modern uses. At its most basic, it means the written words in a book, article, poem, legal document, website, or any other piece of writing. In this sense, it points to the actual language on the page or screen, not the pictures, notes, or design around it. A teacher may ask students to look closely at the text itself, and a lawyer may talk about the text of a law.
In everyday modern use, "text" also very often means a text message, especially one sent by mobile phone. Someone might say, "I got your text," or "Text me when you arrive." From this meaning, English also uses the verb "to text," which means to send such a message. This is now one of the most common uses of the word in daily conversation.
The word can also refer more broadly to any passage of written material that is being read, quoted, studied, or discussed. People speak of the text of a speech, the text on a sign, the text in a message box, or the text of a religious work. In technology, it can mean words in digital form, especially when we contrast text with images, audio, or video.
Its history adds another layer. "Text" comes from Latin words related to weaving, especially texere, meaning "to weave." That origin helps explain an old but still useful image: writing as something made by joining parts together. Even today, this idea feels natural when we talk about a writer weaving ideas into a story. So whether you are reading a classic novel, checking the text on a screen, or sending a quick message to a friend, the word "text" carries the idea of words being formed into a connected whole.
Examples
- 1
Website display
The text on this website is too small to read on my phone.
- 2
Form instructions
Please read the text carefully before you sign the form.
- 3
Article format
The article is mostly text, with only one photo.
- 4
Class reading
We only read two texts in class this week.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Written instructions
The text says you need to arrive 15 minutes early.
- 6
Text message
I sent her a text to say I was running late.
- 7
Meetings
He never answers my texts during meetings.
- 8
Direct request
Text me when you get home.
- Patterntext someone
send someone a text message
- 9
Group message
She texted the address to everyone in the group.
- Patterntext X to someone
send X by text message
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- textnoun
Forms
- textspluralnoun