Definition & Meaning of "IM"

Usage of IM

IM stands for Instant Message, which is a form of online communication that allows users to exchange real-time messages with each other. It is a type of text-based chat that enables people to converse instantly with each other.

Here are three sample text messages showing the abbreviation used as an abbreviation:

Example 1 of IM used in texting:
Person 1: Hey, do you have a minute to IM?
Person 2: Sure, let me log on real quick.

Example 2 of IM used in texting:
Person 1: Can we IM instead of talking on the phone?
Person 2: Absolutely, my phone is about to die anyway.

Example 3 of IM used in texting:
Person 1: I need to get some work done, but can we IM while we do it?
Person 2: That works for me, let's do it.

All these text messages use the abbreviation IM to refer to Instant Message, indicating the desire to communicate using this method.