Did you know?
Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word
message
- definition
What are red words?
90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.
Thesaurus
The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.
more
/ˈmesɪdʒ/ 
| singular | message |
| plural | messages |
- 1[countable] a piece of written or spoken information that you send to someone, especially when you cannot speak to them directly
I got your e-mail message, thank you.
message for someone from someone:There’s a message for you here from Kimberly.
leave a message:If I’m not there, just leave a message with Chris.
take a message (=take information on the telephone and give it to someone else):She’s not here at the moment – can I take a message?
message of support/congratulation/sympathy etc.:The family received several messages of support.
Collocations: message
▪ carry, convey, deliver, get, leave, read, receive, relay, send, spread, transmit - 2[singular] the main idea that you want people to remember from a speech, advertisement, article, etc.
The documentary sends a clear message about the dangers of drug-taking.
get the message across (=make people understand something):Advertisements need to get the message across in 60 seconds or less.
phrases
bring home a message
get the message
informal
This is the American English definition of message. View British English definition of message.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.
vocal fry
a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence
BuzzWord ArticleWord of the Day
watchword
a word or phrase that expresses someone’s attitude or intention
Open Dictionary
conflict mineral
a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons
add a wordMore submissions
view entriesBlog
A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.
global English and language change from our blog