Meaning & use

telegraph

noun·Advanced

A system or device for sending coded messages over long distances using electrical signals.

See it in a sentence

News of the victory reached the capital by telegraph within a few hours.

Operators tapped out messages in Morse code over the telegraph line.

A note on using this word

As a verb, "telegraph" also means to unintentionally reveal one's intentions in advance.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To unintentionally reveal one's intentions or feelings in advance.

His nervous glance telegraphed the surprise before he said a word.

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