What does send mean?
“Send” means to cause a person, object, message, or signal to move from one place or person to another. It is used for physical delivery, such as sending a parcel or letter, and for electronic communication, such as sending an email or text. The word can also describe directing someone elsewhere, as in “send the visitor upstairs,” or causing an effect to be emitted, as in “the engine sends a vibration through the floor.” Because its meaning is broad but its core idea is clear—something travels from a source to a destination—“send” is useful for describing many forms of communication and movement. It is standard in both British and American English and is rarely marked as informal or technical.
To cause a person or thing to go to another person or place, or to transmit a message, item, or signal.
"We sent the invitation by email."
The past tense and past participle are “sent.”
The act or operation of sending someone or something; a dispatch or transmission.
"The parcel arrived after a second send."
The plural “sends” is used when referring to separate acts, transmissions, or dispatches.
"Each send was recorded in the delivery system."
“Send” is one of the most useful words in modern English because it can carry anything from a quick message to a person, package, or signal across great distances.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does send come from?
The English verb comes from Old English sendan, meaning to send, convey, or set in motion. It belongs to a Germanic word family with cognates including Old Norse senda, Dutch zenden, and German senden. Over time, its meaning developed from the general idea of causing or directing someone to go to the more specific modern senses of dispatching people and transmitting messages or objects.
Related word forms
How send is actually used
“Send” is neutral in register and extremely common. In some contexts, especially when meaning to transmit electronically, it can be used without an object when the recipient or content is understood. “Send away” can mean dismissing someone or making them leave, while “send for” can mean requesting the arrival of someone, especially medical assistance.
Easily confused with send
“Send” is the present-tense form of the verb, while “sent” is its simple past tense and past participle.