a dirty or untidy state of things or of a place

she made a mess of the kitchen

my hair was a mess

a situation that is confused and full of problems

the economy is still in a terrible mess

a portion of semi-liquid food

a mess of mashed black beans and rice

a building or room providing meals and recreational facilities for members of the armed forces

the sergeants' mess

a large amount or quantity of

big-time outfits that do a mess of printing

make untidy or dirty

she scratched her head, messing her hair still further

have one's meals with a particular person, especially as a member of an armed forces' mess

I messed at first with Harry, who became a lifelong friend