Etimology
From Middle English message, from Old French message, from Early Medieval Latin missāticum, derived from Latin mittere (“send”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *meyth₂- (“to exchange”). Displaced native Old English ærende which is survived in English errand.
noun
message (plural messages)
A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
(UK, Ireland, chiefly in the plural) An errand.
(Ireland, Scotland, Northern England) See messages (“groceries, shopping”).
Examples
We've just received an urgent message from the President.
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.
The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.
Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.
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.
Related words
hyponyms
heartbeat message
in-flight message
instant message
text message
verb
message (third-person singular simple present messages, present participle messaging, simple past and past participle messaged)
To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.
To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.
(intransitive) To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.
(obsolete) To bear as a message.
Examples
Just message me for directions.
I messaged her about the concert.
She messaged me the information yesterday.
Please message the final report by fax.
We've implemented a new messaging service.
The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
Related words
synonyms
(send a text message to): text