English · Word Candidate

telegraph

/ˈtɛl.ɪ.ɡɹɑːf/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: telegraphs · telegraphing · telegraphed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Synonym of telegraphy, any process for transmitting arbitrarily long messages over a long distance using a symbolic code.

Noun

Examples

This strict sense of telegraph developed from French usage for Napoleon's overland semaphore network but rather arbitrarily excludes similar Chinese and other signalling networks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The electrical device gradually developed in the early 19th century to transmit messages (telegrams) using Morse code; the entire system used to transmit its messages including overhead lines and transoceanic cables.

Noun

Examples

The first message transmitted by telegraph in the United States was WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To use a telegraph; to send a message by telegraph.

Verb

Examples

Whenever this portent occurs, my steward telegraphs to me, that I, as head of the family, be not unsteeled against the shock of a bereavement […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To clearly communicate to another nonverbally (whether by gesture, a change in attitude, or any other sign), and especially unintentionally.

Verb

Examples

Her frown telegraphed her displeasure.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “telegraph” mean?

Synonym of telegraphy, any process for transmitting arbitrarily long messages over a long distance using a symbolic code.

Is “telegraph” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.