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

Long on the north end of the fair, Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Lisson Gallery, Sprüth Magers, David Kordansky, and Mendes Wood DM have been confirmed as relocating from Plaza A (northeast corner) to Plaza B (southeast corner). — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

And finally, another one of Wang’s creations mocks Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine’s infamously cringe sexts by showing the pop star losing his mind to a picture of Jolly’s derriere in an Instagram DM. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026

Every follow, every comment, every DM is someone knocking on the door. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The best thing is to DM the Women That Rock Instagram account. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 10 Aug. 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