telegram

[ tel-i-gram ]

noun

1. a message or communication sent by telegraph; a telegraphic dispatch.

verb (used with or without object)

, tel·e·grammed, tel·e·gram·ming.

1. to telegraph.

telegram

/ ˈtɛlɪˌɡræm; ˌtɛlɪɡrəˈmætɪk /

noun

1. a communication transmitted by telegraph See also cable Telemessage

Derived Forms

• telegrammatic, adjective

Other Words From

• tele·grammic tel·e·gram·ma·tic [tel-i-gr, uh, -, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of telegram¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; tele- ¹ + -gram ¹

Example Sentences

“The Queen and Elton John sent me a telegram of congratulations - my mum and dad were interviewed all week - it was a big thing.”

From BBC

His family had to wait almost two weeks before a telegram arrived, addressed to his mother.

From Los Angeles Times

When the “Potempa Five” were sentenced to death for "political murder," Hitler sent the killers a telegram of support.

From Salon

A telegram addressed to Violet was found in her room.

From BBC

The band received a telegram in reply providing the phone number for Leslie Conn, who became their manager.

From BBC

Related Words

• summons
• telegraph