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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of telegraph in a Sentence
I sent the message by telegraph.
Origin and Etymology of telegraph
French télégraphe, from télé- tele- (from Greek tēle-) + -graphe -graph
First Known Use: 1794
telegraph
Definition of telegraph
transitive verb
1a : to send or communicate by or as if by telegraphb : to send a telegram toc : 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
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.
1805
First Known Use of telegraph
1805
TELEGRAPH Defined for English Language Learners
telegraph
playDefinition of telegraph for English Language Learners
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: an old-fashioned system of sending messages over long distances by using wires and electrical signals
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: a device used for sending or receiving messages by telegraph
telegraph
Definition of telegraph for English Language Learners
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: to send (a message) by telegraph
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: to send a telegram to (someone)
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: to make (something that you are about to do or say) obvious or apparent by the way you move, look, etc.
TELEGRAPH Defined for Kids
Definition of telegraph for Students
: an electric device or system for sending messages by a code over connecting wires
Definition of telegraph for Students
telegraphed
;telegraphing
1 : to send by code over connecting wires
2 : to send a telegram to
Learn More about telegraph
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See words that rhyme with telegraph Spanish Central: Translation of telegraph Nglish: Translation of telegraph for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of telegraph for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about telegraph
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