sms: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, everyday, business communication. More common in writing than formal speech; often pronounced as individual letters or as 'text' instead.
Quick answer
What does “sms” mean?
A text message service for mobile phones, or a message sent using this service.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A text message service for mobile phones, or a message sent using this service.
The act or process of sending a text message, often used as a verb (to SMS). Can also refer to the broader system of short text messaging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'SMS' is a known term but 'text' or 'text message' is more common in casual speech. In American English, 'text' is overwhelmingly dominant, with 'SMS' being more technical. The verb form 'to SMS' is rare in AmE, where 'to text' is standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'SMS' can sound slightly more formal or technical than 'text'. In business/tech contexts, 'SMS' is used precisely to refer to the protocol.
Frequency
'Text' is significantly more frequent than 'SMS' in both corpora, but the disparity is greater in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sms” in a Sentence
SMS somebodySMS something to somebodysend an SMSreceive an SMSVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sms” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll SMS you the address when I'm there.
- She SMSed her boss to say she'd be late.
American English
- Less common; 'text' is preferred: 'I'll text you the details.'
adverb
British English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The SMS function wasn't working.
- We offer an SMS reminder service.
American English
- Same as British, though 'text' is often used attributively: 'text alert'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for SMS marketing campaigns, two-factor authentication, and appointment reminders. 'We'll send you an SMS confirmation.'
Academic
Rare, except in studies of communication or technology. 'The study analysed SMS usage patterns.'
Everyday
Common, though often replaced by 'text'. 'I got an SMS from the school about the closure.'
Technical
The standard term for the Short Message Service protocol in telecommunications. 'The SMS payload is limited to 160 characters.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sms”
- Using 'an SMS' (correct) vs. 'a SMS' (incorrect – 'S' is pronounced /es/, a vowel sound).
- Overusing 'SMS' in casual American English where 'text' is more natural.
- Misspelling as 'smss' or 'sm's'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no practical difference in everyday language. SMS is the technical name for the system that delivers text messages.
Yes, you can say 'an SMS' or 'several SMSs' (though 'texts' is more common for the plural).
Yes, especially in British and international English (e.g., 'SMS me'), but 'text' is more common as a verb, particularly in American English.
Because 'SMS' is the precise, formal term for the technology. In casual conversation, the simpler synonym 'text' is preferred.
A text message service for mobile phones, or a message sent using this service.
Sms is usually informal, everyday, business communication. more common in writing than formal speech; often pronounced as individual letters or as 'text' instead. in register.
Sms: in British English it is pronounced /ˌes.emˈes/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌes.emˈes/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't shoot the messenger (sometimes humorously applied to SMS bearers).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SMS = Short Message Sender. Think of it as a 'Short Message' for your 'Smartphone'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A DELIVERED OBJECT (send/receive/get an SMS).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common casual verb for the action associated with 'SMS' in American English?