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
Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
For instance, Samuel Morse’s work with the telegraph was made possible with the help of copper wires.
—Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Sarah Min, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
The March layoffs are telegraphing an extreme move: a wholesale decimation of the Education Department, as Musk’s team did to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
—Joshua Cowen, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telegraph
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The new telegraph line had been laid out alongside the track.
—Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
For instance, Samuel Morse’s work with the telegraph was made possible with the help of copper wires.
—Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
This year, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has repeated that the central bank is in no hurry to cut interest rates, and the Fed is widely telegraphed to hold interest rates steady at the conclusion of its two-day meeting, on March 19.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
The March layoffs are telegraphing an extreme move: a wholesale decimation of the Education Department, as Musk’s team did to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
—Joshua Cowen, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 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 22 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share