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
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
There’s even a telegraph machine that still works—and one of the museum volunteers can demonstrate how to use it.
—Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Matt Egan, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
The tariffs are well telegraphed, and investors now have more experience with Trump.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
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Noun
With the help of a drummer and the musical arranger, Watts said audiences will hear the tapping of the telegraph keys in the first act.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
There’s even a telegraph machine that still works—and one of the museum volunteers can demonstrate how to use it.
—Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
The push into fintech was telegraphed by a trademark application filed in November.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
The tariffs are well telegraphed, and investors now have more experience with Trump.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
Articles Related to telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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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