telegraphese

noun

tele·​graph·​ese ˌte-lə-gra-ˈfēz How to pronounce telegraphese (audio)
-ˈfēs
: language characterized by the terseness and ellipses that are common in telegrams

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of telegraphese was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

telegraph editor
telegraphese
telegraphic
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Cite this Entry

“Telegraphese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraphese. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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