SMS

abbreviation or noun

ˌes-ˌem-ˈes 

: a technology for sending short text messages between mobile phones

Although driven by teens and young adults who seemingly aren't satisfied with online instant messaging, SMS can be very useful for sending urgent messages to family members or co-workers.

—Consumer Reports

—often used before another noun

Creative, colorful, and sometimes perplexing, emoji add energy to SMS messages.

—Christina Bonnington

also : a message sent using this technology : text message

… is helping to test a device that implants sensors in cows to let farmers know when they are in heat. When that is the case, the device sends an SMS to the farmer's phone.

—John Tagliabue

Examples of SMS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Known for his work in classics including The Thing, Risky Business, My Girl, and License to Drive, Masur is repped by SMS Talent. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025

Slezak is represented by Artists & Representatives and Wright Entertainment, Ahn by Gersh Agency and ATA Management, Hugot by SMS Talent and Harper by Gersh and Luber Roklin Entertainment. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025

Texts or social media messages Settlements are announced by mail or email, not through random DMs or SMS. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025

To further improve the cellular Starlink, Giard said T-Mobile is focused on reducing the lag, which can cause apps or SMS messages to encounter short delays as the satellites move in and out of view over the sky. —Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Short Message Service

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above