telegraph

1 of 2

noun

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

telegraph

2 of 2

verb

telegraphed; telegraphing; telegraphs

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

tə-ˈle-grə-fər 

noun

telegraphist

tə-ˈle-grə-fist 

noun

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

Noun

Fresh off a massive makeover and housed in Berlin’s former main telegraph office, this unique property features 97 rooms and suites, a brasserie-style restaurant that serves traditional German cuisine, a chic bar and pub, plus a 3,600-square-foot fitness area and spa. —Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 29 Aug. 2025

Forecasters sent gale warnings via telegraph to more than 100 stations. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Verb

The film is obvious in telegraphing its spooky sequences and its expository ones. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

This is the first big data test for Fed policy since Chairman Powell telegraphed a possible interest rate cut for the September meeting. —Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing telegraph

• telegraph pole

Rhymes for telegraph

• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph
• hydrograph
• lithograph
• micrograph
• monograph

Kids 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

ˌtel-ə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

telegraphically

-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

telegraph

2 of 2 verb

1

: to send by or as if by telegraph

telegraphed a message

2

: to send a telegram to

telegraphed home for money

telegrapher

tə-ˈleg-rə-fər 

noun