telethon

noun

tele·​thon ˈte-lə-ˌthän 

: a long television program usually to solicit funds especially for a charity

Examples of telethon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pierron, who recalled not being able to watch the 1986 World Cup final in Olathe because it had been preempted by a telethon, bought season tickets right away. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Carroll also enjoyed doing stories about Make a Wish and being part of their telethon to raise money. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Over the course of 19 previous telethons, the CBS Philadelphia Telethon has raised more than $70 million. — Cbs News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 3 June 2026

In 1986, Whoopi Goldberg famously hosted the first Comic Relief telethon to raise money for America’s homeless population. — Jessica Jacolbe, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tele- + -athon

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

telethon

noun

tele·​thon ˈtel-ə-ˌthän 

: a long television program usually to raise funds for a charity