Telegram
/ˈtelɪɡræm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA message sent by telegraph, typically a brief message.
/ˈtelɪɡræm/
A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form; a short message.
He received a telegram informing him of his grandmother's passing.
💡 Simply: Imagine a very old-fashioned text message! It's like a quick note sent quickly over long distances, but printed on a piece of paper. Think of it as the ancestor of an SMS.
👶 For kids: A telegram is a message sent a long, long time ago when there were no phones. It was written down and sent by special machines!
More Examples
The company sent a telegram to confirm the business deal.
During the earthquake, telegrams were the only way to communicate with the outside world.
How It's Used
"During the war, the general received urgent telegrams from headquarters."
"She sent a telegram to announce her arrival."
To send a message by telegram or telegraph.
/ˈtelɪɡræm/
To send a message via telegraph.
He telegraphed his congratulations to the winner.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to send a message using those old telegraph machines – that's 'to telegram' someone!
👶 For kids: To telegram means to send a special paper message a long, long time ago!
More Examples
She decided to telegram her arrival time to her hosts.
The news of the war was telegraphed across the country.
How It's Used
"They telegraphed the news to their family in another country."
"The president telegraphed his condolences to the bereaved family."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From the Greek words "tele" (far) and "gramma" (thing written). It was initially used to describe the process of transmitting messages electronically.
Telegrams were a primary means of rapid long-distance communication before the advent of telephones and email. Their use declined significantly with the rise of more modern technologies.
Memory tip
Think of a message sent from afar (tele) written down (gram).
Word Origin
"tele (far) + gramma (thing written) "