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
Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
As agriculture became less demanding, the sector required fewer workers, enabling erstwhile farmers to work in a spectrum of other trades, including the high-technology industries of each generation, such as textiles, telegraphs, and telecommunications.
—Matthew J. Slaughter, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
The most notable changes were telegraphed over the weekend, and will see major changes to MSNBC’s evening and primetime lineups.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
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Noun
Leading up to World War II, copper’s importance intensified through telegraph and telephone systems.
—Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
As agriculture became less demanding, the sector required fewer workers, enabling erstwhile farmers to work in a spectrum of other trades, including the high-technology industries of each generation, such as textiles, telegraphs, and telecommunications.
—Matthew J. Slaughter, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
From Ukraine to the Middle East, the Biden administration painstakingly calibrated and telegraphed its moves to avoid escalatory spirals.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
The most notable changes were telegraphed over the weekend, and will see major changes to MSNBC’s evening and primetime lineups.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
Articles Related to telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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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