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

Convert warm leads into paying clients The LinkedIn DM magic happens when your public visibility combines with private relationship building. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The app now allows users to send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos via DM, either one-on-one or in group chats. —PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2025

Why Spotify's Direct Messaging Feature Is Raising Red Flags There’s just one (potential) problem: The DM feature is open to users aged 16 and older. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 28 Aug. 2025

Now Spotify is adding a way to spread word-of-mouth recommendations within its own app with Messages, a one-to-one DM feature launching this week for users 16 and older in select markets on mobile devices. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Aug. 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