B1nounhistorymedia
US/ˈtel.ə.ɡræm/
UK/ˈtel.ɪ.ɡræm/
a message sent by an electric signal over wires, printed and delivered by hand, used before email
In context
My grandfather received a telegram announcing the birth of his son.
In the 1900s, people sent a telegram when they needed to deliver urgent news.
The museum has an old telegram from the soldier to his wife.
Words that go with telegram
verb + noun
- send a telegramHe had to send a telegram to say he would be late.
- receive a telegramShe received a telegram from the army.
- read a telegramHe opened the envelope and read the telegram twice.
adjective + noun
- urgent telegramAn urgent telegram arrived just before midnight.
noun + preposition
- telegram fromThere was a telegram from her aunt in Paris.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I sent him a telegraph yesterday.Correct: I sent him a telegram yesterday.