instant messaging

noun

: a means or system for transmitting electronic messages instantly
instant message noun or verb

Examples of instant messaging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Signal was launched in 2014 for iOS devices by a non-profit group, Open Whisper Systems, which offered users free encrypted calls and, one year later, encrypted instant messaging. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2025 The reality is that in spite of digital communication channels like email, instant messaging apps, and more, physical mail remains a critical component of business operations. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 Other than that, Signal – which does require a telephone number to create an account – is similar in concept to any other preferred instant messaging service smartphone users may have, including Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025 Although a similar feature existed on email, BlackBerry gets credit for the first read receipt on a text message in its BBM instant messaging service, which launched in 2005. Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for instant messaging

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instant messaging was in 1995

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instant messaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instant%20messaging. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

instant messaging

noun
instant mes·​sag·​ing
-ˈme-sə-jiŋ
: a means or system for transmitting electronic messages instantly
instant message noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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