DM

1 of 3

noun

ˌdē-ˈem 

plural DMs

: a private message sent on social media to a specific individual or group

However, Sadie Stanley was ultimately cast as Kim, and Madelaine even sent her an encouraging DM about her new role.

—Kara Nesvig

DM verb

DMed; DMing; DMs

Women around the world DMed Robbie and Sarah saying how much the couple's love inspired them.

—Rebecca Jennings

DM

2 of 3

abbreviation (1)

deutsche mark

dm

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

decimeter

Examples of DM in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Online Gaming Risks for Kids Put simply, any platform with a direct message (DM) or public chat feature can pose risks for kids. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 May 2025

Embrace Persistence No one wants to DM strangers on LinkedIn or ask friends for introductions. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 May 2025

The next morning, a stranger who had been hired to take photos for the venue sent him a DM on Instagram with a picture of the two kissing. —Sadiba Hasan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Attract your first users using DM outreach (not ads). —Adhip Ray, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

direct message

First Known Use

Noun

2007, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dm

1 of 2 abbreviation

decimeter

DM

2 of 2 abbreviation

1

dermatomyositis

2

diabetes mellitus

3

diastolic murmur

4

[Latin dystrophia myotonica] myotonic dystrophy