First Known Use: 1794
Dictionary
1telegraph
noun tele·graph \-ˌgraf\
: an old-fashioned system of sending messages over long distances by using wires and electrical signals
: a device used for sending or receiving messages by telegraph
Full Definition of TELEGRAPH
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
See telegraph defined for English-language learners
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Origin of TELEGRAPH
French télégraphe, from télé- tele- (from Greek tēle-) + -graphe -graph
Rhymes with TELEGRAPH
allograph, autograph, barograph, bathyscaphe, cenotaph, chronograph, circle graph, cryptograph, epigraph, epitaph, half-and-half, hectograph, holograph, homograph, hygrograph, kymograph, lithograph, logograph, micrograph, monograph, pantograph, paragraph, phonograph, photograph, pictograph, polygraph, quarterstaff, seismograph, serigraph, shadowgraph, shandygaff, spectrograph, sphygmograph, thermograph, typograph
2telegraph
transitive verb
: to send (a message) by telegraph
: to send a telegram to (someone)
: to make (something that you are about to do or say) obvious or apparent by the way you move, look, etc.
Full Definition of TELEGRAPH
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
— te·leg·ra·pher \tə-ˈle-grə-fər\ noun
— te·leg·ra·phist \-fist\ noun
First Known Use of TELEGRAPH
1805
TELEGRAPH Defined for Kids
1telegraph
noun tele·graph \ˈte-lə-ˌgraf\
Definition of TELEGRAPH for Kids
: an electric device or system for sending messages by a code over connecting wires
2telegraph
verb
tele·graphedtele·graph·ing
Definition of TELEGRAPH for Kids
1
: to send by code over connecting wires
2
: to send a telegram to
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