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

Past patrons of the homey eatery are asked to DM photos or videos of your visits — be they birthday parties, romantic anniversaries or just grabbing a slice — over the years since opening in 1971. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

But members don’t just agonize over their posts and DM etiquette to avoid getting ghosted. —Violet Piper, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2025

The issues also seem to be affecting tags for other users — if a colleague hasn’t responded to your pings, DM them directly for now. —Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 27 Jan. 2025

The two have now revealed a thread of fiery Instagram DM’s between them—which started off rather calm before escalating to straight disrespect. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 27 Jan. 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