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

In response to the backlash, Charles deleted his controversial TikTok and reached out to Vargas privately via DM. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Hadari did not acknowledge a DM Thursday seeking comment. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

Those who see the instant can send reactions, reply by DM, and share their own instants. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 13 May 2026

After the announcement, Allen’s galleries, Olney Gleason and Mendes Wood DM dropped him, but a new, just as high-profile one, Perrotin, picked him up. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

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