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
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The new telegraph line had been laid out alongside the track.
—Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
They were invaded by Vladimir Putin, who had been telegraphing this punch for years.
—CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
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Noun
The genuine article must have crept out the door as the telegraph walked in.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The new telegraph line had been laid out alongside the track.
—Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
In an April 16 speech, Powell telegraphed that the Fed is in no hurry to lower interest rates, a move that might boost the economy, because of market uncertainties.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
They were invaded by Vladimir Putin, who had been telegraphing this punch for years.
—CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 28 Apr. 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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