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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

In the wake of Helene, SpaceX worked with T-Mobile to enable basic text messaging (SMS), allowing users in areas hit by hurricanes to text friends and family, text 911 and receive emergency alerts. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 Some merchants may have concerns that this year’s presidential election could impact shoppers, but Attentive, an SMS marketing firm, reports 59 percent of consumers said the election won’t impact their holiday shopping plans. —

Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2024 Lines that provide real-time updates through apps or SMS can offer reassurance and help passengers stay informed. —

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024 In the days after Hurricane Ian, the electric company kept me abreast of their work at power restoration via SMS text, so having my phone powered was key to staying in the know. —

Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for SMS