English · Word Candidate

SMS

/ˌɛs ɛm ˈɛs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: SMSes · SMSs · SMSing · SMSed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A text message sent using the short message service.

Noun

Examples

The Empower Interactive survey found that more than 7 of 10 cellphone users considered any form of unsolicited SMSs, or text messages, unacceptable.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To send a message on a cell phone via short message service.

Verb

Examples

I SMSed him and asked why he was late.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

SMS — Seiner Majestät Schiff – literally, "His Majesty's Ship" in German;

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

SMS — Seiner Majestät Schiff – literally, "His Majesty's Ship" in German; — A ship prefix for a ship in the navy of the Empire of Germany (usually for the period leading to WWI and WWI)

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “SMS” mean?

A text message sent using the short message service.

Is “SMS” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.