telegram

1 of 2

noun

tele·​gram ˈte-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce telegram (audio)
Southern also -grəm
: a telegraphic dispatch

telegram

2 of 2

verb

tele·​gram ˈte-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce telegram (audio)
telegrammed; telegramming

Examples of telegram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The president addressed this firing with members of his Cabinet, and made his rationale known in letters and telegrams to key leaders in Congress. William H. McRaven, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026 Lindsay, a liberal Republican, sent a congratulatory telegram and hosted the Knicks for a reception at the official mayoral residence, according to news coverage at the time. Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026 Lindsay, a liberal Republican, sent a congratulatory telegram and hosted the Knicks for a reception at the official mayoral residence, according to news coverage at the time. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 17 June 2026 The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation. Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for telegram

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of telegram was circa 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Telegram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegram. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

telegram

noun
tele·​gram
ˈtel-ə-ˌgram
Southern also -grəm
: a message sent by telegraph

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