Definition

Noun A communication delivered or conveyed through the telephone system. It refers to the information or content left for someone when a direct conversation is not possible.

Usage

A "telephone message" is the recorded or written information from a phone call, typically taken by a person or an answering machine when the intended recipient is unavailable. It serves as a formal or informal record of the call's purpose.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The secretary took a detailed telephone message for the manager.
  • I listened to the telephone message on my voicemail.
  • Please ensure all telephone messages include the caller's name and number.

Advanced Usage

• "To leave a telephone message": The act of providing information to be recorded for an absent recipient.
  • He wasn't in, so I had to leave a telephone message with his assistant.
• "To get/receive a telephone message": The act of obtaining the information from a missed call.
  • Did you get my telephone message about the meeting change?

Variants and Related Words

• Voicemail (n): An electronic system for recording and storing telephone messages, or a message left in such a system.
  • She has three new voicemails.
• Missed call (n): An instance where a phone rings but is not answered, which may or may not result in a message being left.
  • I saw your missed call but there was no message.
• Call log (n): A record of incoming, outgoing, and missed calls, distinct from the message content itself.

Synonyms

• Phone message: A direct synonym with identical meaning.
• Call message: A less common but understandable variant.
• Recorded message: Emphasizes the message was captured electronically, often by a machine.

Related Phrases

• Take a message: To write down or record the information from a caller for someone else.
  • Can you take a message? I'll call her back later.
• Return a call: To call back someone, often in response to a telephone message.
  • I need to return his call; his message sounded urgent.

Noun

1. a message transmitted by telephone