instant messaging

[ in-stuhnt mes-ij-ing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Digital Technology.

a system for exchanging typed electronic messages instantly via the internet or a cellular network, using a shared software application on a personal computer or mobile device. : IM

instant messaging

computing the online facility that allows the instant exchange of written messages between two or more people using different computers or mobile phones AbbreviationIM

instant messaging

A computer communications program that allows people to send and receive typed messages very rapidly. It is often used for online “chats.”

First recorded in 1995–2000

Maybe it had something to do with words scrolling on television or people using instant messaging.

The appeal of instant messaging is that you control—the child controls—the means of communication.

And I knew that he was back there in the silence instant messaging his friends, as I say.

I loved the simplicity of it, I loved the autonomy of it, and I loved the language of abbreviations that instant messaging has.

Now, instant messaging is something that I could not understand.

Browse