instant message

instant message (plural instant messages)

1. (communication, computing) A message conveyed through an instant messaging program.

• IM

• direct message, private message

instant message (third-person singular simple present instant messages, present participle instant messaging, simple past and past participle instant messaged)

1. (communication, computing) To convey a message via an instant messaging program.

   Alternative form: instant-message

• The verb is rarely spelled out; it is much more common to see IM'd and the like.

• IM