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

According to other court filings released this week, DM spent the night in BF's room and an unnamed person called 911 from BF's phone around noon the next day. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

Having finally booked the film but unable to reach Issa, Torres sent a DM to the movie’s Instagram account, not knowing who, if anyone, would answer. —Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025

The show, which airs as an internet livestream, features cartoon voice actors led by their DM, Matthew Mercer. —Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025

Khloé Kardashian is calling out the men who make their DM requests a family affair. —Esther Kang, People.com, 13 Feb. 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