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
telegraphed; telegraphing; telegraphs
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
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
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024
The production telegraphs, early on, that something else is up, as Jane seems to dissociate onstage — in an addition for Broadway, to the accompaniment of too-ominous music by Devonté Hynes, a.k.a.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 July 2024
Simone McCarthy, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Of course not! Stop telegraphing your plans to your mother, and stay away from your abuser.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for telegraph 
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Noun
The photocells converted that light to an electric current and transported it via telegraph lines to flip a switch that illuminated Chicago.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024
The production telegraphs, early on, that something else is up, as Jane seems to dissociate onstage — in an addition for Broadway, to the accompaniment of too-ominous music by Devonté Hynes, a.k.a.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 July 2024
Verb
While picking up genuine concerns reported by American and international media in what has been a contentious and violent US election cycle, the coverage and conversation appears geared to telegraph the superiority of China’s own political system.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Of course not! Stop telegraphing your plans to your mother, and stay away from your abuser.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for telegraph
Articles Related to telegraph
Dictionary Entries Near telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
ˌtel-ə-ˈgraf-ik
telegraphically
adverb
-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē
telegraph
2 of 2 verb1
: to send by or as if by telegraph
telegraphed a message
2
: to send a telegram to
telegraphed home for money
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