telegram

1 of 2

noun

tele·​gram ˈte-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce telegram (audio)
Southern also -grəm
: a telegraphic dispatch

telegram

2 of 2

verb

tele·​gram ˈte-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce telegram (audio)
telegrammed; telegramming

Examples of telegram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation. Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 The organization typically uses the largest recognizable city near the venue, which is why AT&T Stadium will be known as Dallas Stadium, according to Star-telegram news partner WFAA. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 This photo released by Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev's official telegram channel shows the damage after a Ukrainian drone attack, just outside Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. CBS News, 17 May 2026 Russian telegram channel Astra — labeled a foreign agent by authorities — injected a note of skepticism, pointing out that Putin has spoken about the nuclear-capable missile’s imminent readiness at least 10 times since 2021. Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for telegram

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of telegram was circa 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Telegram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegram. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

telegram

noun
tele·​gram
ˈtel-ə-ˌgram
Southern also -grəm
: a message sent by telegraph

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