telegram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowarchaic
Quick answer
What does “telegram” mean?
A message sent by telegraph, typically printed on paper and delivered physically.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A message sent by telegraph, typically printed on paper and delivered physically.
Any electronic communication in a similar terse, formal style, regardless of delivery method.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'telegram' is the predominant term historically. In the UK, 'telegram' and 'cable' were both used, with 'cable' also common in Commonwealth countries. 'Wire' was more common in US journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share a connotation of urgency and historical distance.
Frequency
Equally obsolete in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical dramas or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “telegram” in a Sentence
send [someone] a telegramreceive a telegram [from someone]telegram [stating/announcing/saying that...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telegram” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He telegrammed the news to headquarters immediately.
- I shall telegram my acceptance post-haste.
American English
- She telegrammed her family to say she arrived safely.
- They telegrammed the results as soon as they were known.
adverb
British English
- (Rare, not standard) The news was sent telegram.
American English
- (Rare, not standard) He replied telegram, using as few words as possible.
adjective
British English
- The telegram style was notoriously terse.
- He used a telegram address for urgent correspondence.
American English
- She received the telegram message with dread.
- It was sent via telegram service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except metaphorically: 'The CEO's email was like a terse telegram announcing the merger.'
Academic
Used in historical research, communications studies, and literature analysis.
Everyday
Used only in historical conversation, jokes about old technology, or referring to the 'Telegram' messaging app.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts outside of historical reference.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telegram”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “telegram”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telegram”
- Using 'telegram' to refer to a modern text message or email (archaic error).
- Confusing 'telegram' (message) with 'telegraph' (system or device).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the commercial telegram service has been obsolete since the early 21st century. The word is only used historically or to refer to the 'Telegram' messaging app.
'Telegram' is the general term. 'Wire' is journalistic/informal American English, referencing the telegraph wires. 'Cable' often refers specifically to international telegrams sent via submarine cables and is more common in British/Commonwealth English.
Yes, though archaic. It means 'to send (someone) a telegram' (e.g., 'I telegrammed her the details').
Telegrams were expensive (charged per word), so they were used for urgent, important, and often life-altering information, which in dramatic contexts frequently includes death, disaster, or urgent summonses.
A message sent by telegraph, typically printed on paper and delivered physically.
Telegram is usually archaic in register.
Telegram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛl.ɪ.ɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛl.ə.ɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't shoot the messenger (often illustrated by a telegram bearer bringing bad news).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TELEgram = message sent from a distance (TELE-) and written (-GRAM, like diagram).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL DELIVERY (the telegram is a physical object handed over).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern synonym for 'telegram' in its historical sense?