message

noun

1. A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.

   “We've just received an urgent message from the President.”

   “He received a message telling him to update his laptop.”

   “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.”

2. An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.

   “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.”

3. (Ireland, UK, in-plural)An errand.

   “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.”

4. (Ireland, Northern-England, Scotland)See messages (“groceries, shopping”).

verb

1. To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.

   “Just message me for directions.”

   “I messaged her about the concert.”

2. To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.

   “She messaged me the information yesterday.”

   “Please message the final report by fax.”

3. (intransitive)To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.

   “We've implemented a new messaging service.”

   “The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.”

4. (obsolete)To bear as a message.