telegraph

noun tele·graph \ -ˌgraf \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of telegraph

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

See telegraph defined for English-language learners

See telegraph defined for kids

Examples of telegraph in a Sentence

I sent the message by telegraph.

Recent Examples of telegraph from the Web

Hiring a woman for Uber’s top job could have made the company telegraph an enlightened and transformed brand image, but such a move could have just as easily backfired by appearing insincere and banal.

— deb gabor, Fortune, "Why Uber Was Right Not to Hire a Female CEO," 30 Aug. 2017
When Auburn won, drug store employees would throw ticker tape from the telegraph over the power lines.

— kevin spain, USA TODAY, "Ten of the best traditions in college football," 25 Aug. 2017
In 1859, a solar storm turned night into day around the world while downing telegraph systems.

— mike fischer, Detroit Free Press, "Books: A dystopian novel set among the Amish," 29 July 2017
In 1859, a solar storm turned night into day around the world while downing telegraph systems.

— mike fischer, Detroit Free Press, "Books: A dystopian novel set among the Amish," 29 July 2017
Back then, wigs were high and restrictive to telegraph wealth and status (only those who never had to lift a finger could afford to wear such styles).

— liana schaffner, Allure, "The History of Wigs," 26 July 2017
Details of the interior, from the telegraph station to the copper pump fire extinguishers have all been restored or re-created.

— zachariah durr, cleveland.com, "WWII-era Boeing B-17 takes flight at Burke Lakefront Airport this weekend," 17 July 2017
In 1859, a solar storm turned night into day around the world while downing telegraph systems.

— mike fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'When the English Fall' imagines Amish as survivors of dystopian disaster," 15 July 2017
For towns away from the telegraph lines, however, the news moved in more slowly.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Watch How (Slowly) News of the Declaration of Independence Spread in Real Time," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'telegraph.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of telegraph

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1793

See Words from the same year

telegraph

verb

Definition of telegraph

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

play \tə-ˈle-grə-fər\ noun

—

telegraphist

play \-fist\ noun

See telegraph defined for English-language learners

Examples of telegraph in a Sentence

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 of telegraph from the Web

At times, even the aesthetics of their world can seem designed to telegraph non-threatening vibes: lots of swirly fonts, recipe trading, and talk about diets unfaithfully kept.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "What Obligation Do White Christian Women Have to Speak Out About Politics?," 20 Aug. 2017
A plot twist is telegraphed too early, bungled and then over-explained, while another goes by without any context whatsoever.

— katie walsh, idahostatesman, "‘Atomic Blonde’ loses its punch in second half," 27 July 2017
The PERS Board, whose members are appointed by the governor, has already telegraphed its intention to lower the rate.

— ted sickinger, OregonLive.com, "Looming PERS vote on key rate will set pension fund's direction," 26 July 2017
But the Dior style telegraphs a very particular, 1950s vision of womanhood (as did the First Lady’s bouffant updo), which resonates with the state of American politics today.

— rhonda garelick, The Cut, "Why It Matters That Melania Wore Dior in Paris Last Week," 21 July 2017
MASN said MLB telegraphed its intentions by advancing the Nationals $25 million in August 2013 to make up the difference between what the club was receiving from MASN and what it was expected to get from the arbitration panel.

— jeff barker, baltimoresun.com, "Court sends Orioles-Nationals TV rights fee dispute back to Major League Baseball for decision," 13 July 2017
This morning, the Rockets acquired Chris Paul in a trade that was only faintly telegraphed beforehand.

— nathaniel friedman, GQ, "How Does Chris Paul Fit in with the Houston Rockets?," 28 June 2017
By failing to disclose the voting results during today’s shareowner meeting, Mylan’s board telegraphed that directors faced strong opposition.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Shareholders fail to oust Mylan board, but down-voted massive salaries," 22 June 2017
The move was telegraphed earlier this month as Kahl, 50, took a turn on the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York to promote CBS’ new fall schedule to advertisers.

— meg james, latimes.com, "CBS shake-up: Kahl and Sherman promoted into top leadership roles as Geller exits," 30 May 2017

First Known Use of telegraph

1806

TELEGRAPH Defined for English Language Learners

telegraph

noun

Definition of telegraph for English Language Learners

: an old-fashioned system of sending messages over long distances by using wires and electrical signals
: a device used for sending or receiving messages by telegraph

telegraph

verb

Definition of telegraph for English Language Learners

: to send (a message) by telegraph
: to send a telegram to (someone)
: to make (something that you are about to do or say) obvious or apparent by the way you move, look, etc.