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
Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026
The information age is a consequence of the digital revolution, and cyberculture is its demonstration of vitality over the decades, from the invention of the telegraph to the widespread adoption of digital communication and the proliferation of the network society.
—Paulo Nuno Vicenteall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
However, the twist is telegraphed so early on that there is no air of mystery, just a foreboding sense that this material is about to enter the land of sick-girl-inspires-artist clichés.
—Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
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Noun
The telegraph accelerated financial markets and compressed geography.
—Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026
The information age is a consequence of the digital revolution, and cyberculture is its demonstration of vitality over the decades, from the invention of the telegraph to the widespread adoption of digital communication and the proliferation of the network society.
—Paulo Nuno Vicenteall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Verb
But the scares were middling to begin with because Øvredal — a game but overeager trickster — telegraphs his set pieces as if he were equipped with a flare gun and detour cones.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
However, the twist is telegraphed so early on that there is no air of mystery, just a foreboding sense that this material is about to enter the land of sick-girl-inspires-artist clichés.
—Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
Cite this Entry
“Telegraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telegraph. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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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