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
Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
For instance, Samuel Morse’s work with the telegraph was made possible with the help of copper wires.
—Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
But on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance telegraphed on social media the administration’s view on the series of court rulings blocking executive actions in the first three weeks of Trump’s presidency.
—Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
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Noun
The new telegraph line had been laid out alongside the track.
—Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
For instance, Samuel Morse’s work with the telegraph was made possible with the help of copper wires.
—Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
If the negotiations have been surprising, consider that Trump telegraphed his approach during the campaign.
—Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
But on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance telegraphed on social media the administration’s view on the series of court rulings blocking executive actions in the first three weeks of Trump’s presidency.
—Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 10 Feb. 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 7 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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