telegraph

/ˈtɛlɪɡræf/
noun
  1. A system or device for sending messages over long distances using electrical signals along a wire.
    • The telegraph changed the way people communicated in the 19th century.
    • He learned how to operate a telegraph during his time in the army.
    • The museum has an old telegraph on display from the 1800s.
  2. A message sent by telegraph; a telegram.
    • The office sent a telegraph to confirm the meeting time.
    • He read the telegraph twice to make sure he understood it.
    • She received a telegraph announcing her grandfather's arrival.
verb
  1. To send a message by telegraph.
    • They had to telegraph the news to the headquarters.
    • The reporter telegraphed the story to the newspaper office.
    • In an emergency, they would telegraph for help.
  2. To give an unintentional signal or hint about one's intentions, especially in sports or other competitive activities.
    • Her facial expression telegraphed her disappointment before she spoke.
    • Don't telegraph your next move in chess by staring at the piece.
    • The pitcher telegraphed his throw by looking at the base.
What does "telegraph" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean