Telegraph
/ˈtɛlɪɡrɑːf/
Definitions
3 meaningsA system or apparatus for transmitting messages over a distance, typically by electrical signals sent through wires.
/ˈtɛlɪɡrɑːf/
A system for transmitting messages over long distances
The telegram arrived at his home the next day.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to send a quick message to someone miles away. The telegraph was like a very early version of texting, using electricity and codes to send messages quickly. It was how people kept in touch before phones!
👶 For kids: A machine that sends messages over long distances, like a super fast messenger!
More Examples
The invention of the telegraph changed the world.
During the war, the military relied heavily on the telegraph for communication.
How It's Used
"The invention of the electric telegraph revolutionized communication."
"Morse code was a fundamental component of the telegraph system."
To send a message or communicate by telegraph.
/ˈtɛlɪɡrɑːf/
To send a message by telegraph
The news was telegraphed to the authorities immediately.
💡 Simply: To 'telegraph' is like using the old telegraph machine to send a message. Instead of using the phone or internet, you'd tap out a message in a special code and send it over a wire!
👶 For kids: To send a message with a special machine called a telegraph!
More Examples
She telegraphed her congratulations on his promotion.
We telegraphed our travel plans to the hotel.
How It's Used
"He telegraphed his arrival time to his family."
"During the war, commanders often telegraphed their orders."
To signal or indicate something in advance, often unintentionally, through one's actions or behavior.
/ˈtɛlɪɡrɑːf/
To signal or indicate something in advance
The boxer telegraphed a right hook.
💡 Simply: Imagine giving away what you're going to do. In a game, you might accidentally 'telegraph' your move by how you hold your body, giving your opponent a clue about what you are going to do.
👶 For kids: To show what you're going to do before you do it!
More Examples
His nervous fidgeting telegraphed his anxiety.
The company's recent investments telegraphed their expansion plans.
How It's Used
"The quarterback telegraphed his next play."
"The company's actions telegraphed their intentions."
Idioms & expressions
telegraph pole
A pole supporting the wires of a telegraph system or, more generally, other communication and electrical systems.
"The lines were strung between telegraph poles."
From French *télégraphe*, from Greek *tēle-* (far) + *graphe* (writing). Initially referring to optical telegraphs (semaphore systems) before encompassing electrical versions.
The telegraph was crucial for military operations and business communication in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also led to the development of various codes, like Morse Code, to send messages.
Memory tip
Think of 'tele' (far) and 'graph' (writing). A way to write from far away!
Word Origin
"writing from afar"