tele·graph
ˈte-lə-ˌgraf 
1
: an apparatus for communication at a distance by coded signals
especially
: an apparatus, system, or process for communication at a distance by electric transmission over wire
2
: telegram
telegraphed; telegraphing; telegraphs
1
a
: to send or communicate by or as if by telegraph
b
: to send a telegram to
c
: to send by means of a telegraphic order
2
: to make known by signs especially unknowingly and in advance
Examples of telegraph in a Sentence
Noun
I sent the message by telegraph.
Verb
He telegraphed a message to her.
Please telegraph when you get there.
Please telegraph me when you get there.
The look on her face telegraphed bad news.
He lost the boxing match because he was telegraphing his punches.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
However, there were few problems for a largely pre-industrial society, except for electric shocks to telegraph operators, according to Live Science.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024
As Lamar raps in furious counterpoint with a sizzling Tupac sample, the music telegraphs big drama ahead.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for telegraph 
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Noun
During the Carrington Event, some telegraph operators reported sparks flying from equipment, causing fires in some cases.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
However, there were few problems for a largely pre-industrial society, except for electric shocks to telegraph operators, according to Live Science.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
MicroStrategy was widely telegraphed as a potential contender for membership by investors who were looking forward to the index’s rebalancing this week.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024
As Lamar raps in furious counterpoint with a sizzling Tupac sample, the music telegraphs big drama ahead.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for telegraph
Articles Related to telegraph
Dictionary Entries Near telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
telegraph
1 of 2 noun
tele·graph
ˈtel-ə-ˌgraf
: an electric device or system for sending messages by a code over wires
telegraphic
adjective
ˌtel-ə-ˈgraf-ik
telegraphically
adverb
-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē
telegraph
2 of 2 verb1
: to send by or as if by telegraph
telegraphed a message
2
: to send a telegram to
telegraphed home for money
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