text messaging

noun

: the sending of short text messages electronically especially from one cell phone to another

Examples of text 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.
But others are spending on a mix of both positive and negative mailers, advertising and text messaging. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 Electricity failures are often coupled with internet and cellular service interruptions, hindering communication via text messaging, phone calls, social media and email at precisely the time it’s needed most. — Fiona Doherty, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 Starlink Mobile currently spans about 650 satellites, enabling it to beam mobile data and text messaging to phones in cellular dead zones. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 While Americans still prefer text messaging to WhatsApp, the app is widely used in Europe, Asia and much of the rest of the world. — Kelvin Chan, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for text messaging

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of text messaging was in 1980

Rhymes for text messaging

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Browse Nearby Words

text message
text messaging
textual
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Cite this Entry

“Text messaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/text%20messaging. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

text messaging

noun
text mes·​sag·​ing
-ˈmes-i-jiŋ
: the sending of text messages electronically especially from one cell phone to another

More from Merriam-Webster on text messaging

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about text messaging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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