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
Robert Ginsburg, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Neither Leigh nor Jean-Baptiste telegraph in any obvious way the reasons for Pansy’s behavior.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
Michael Silver, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
While the two races have been described as shoo-ins for Democrats, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has telegraphed that the party is taking the contests seriously.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for telegraph 
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Noun
Two of the primary challenges that faced the telegraph revolution will also present problems today as businesses and governments grapple with the realities of Industry 4.0.
—Robert Ginsburg, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Neither Leigh nor Jean-Baptiste telegraph in any obvious way the reasons for Pansy’s behavior.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
As hope faded, Payton decided to bench veteran Russell Wilson, telegraphing the quarterback’s impending release and an accompanying salary-cap nightmare.
—Michael Silver, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
While the two races have been described as shoo-ins for Democrats, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has telegraphed that the party is taking the contests seriously.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 24 Dec. 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 Jan. 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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