telegraph

1 of 2

noun

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

telegraph

2 of 2

verb

telegraphed; telegraphing; telegraphs

transitive verb

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

telegrapher

tə-ˈle-grə-fər 

noun

telegraphist

tə-ˈle-grə-fist 

noun

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

Noun

The photocells converted that light to an electric current and transported it via telegraph lines to flip a switch that illuminated Chicago. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

The production telegraphs, early on, that something else is up, as Jane seems to dissociate onstage — in an addition for Broadway, to the accompaniment of too-ominous music by Devonté Hynes, a.k.a. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 July 2024

Verb

While picking up genuine concerns reported by American and international media in what has been a contentious and violent US election cycle, the coverage and conversation appears geared to telegraph the superiority of China’s own political system. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Of course not! Stop telegraphing your plans to your mother, and stay away from your abuser. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French télégraphe, from télé- tele- (from Greek tēle-) + -graphe -graph

First Known Use

Noun

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing telegraph

• telegraph pole

Kids 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

ˌtel-ə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

telegraphically

-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

telegraph

2 of 2 verb

1

: to send by or as if by telegraph

telegraphed a message

2

: to send a telegram to

telegraphed home for money

telegrapher

tə-ˈleg-rə-fər 

noun