What does telegram mean?
A telegram is a brief message sent by telegraph, a technology that transmitted coded electrical signals over long distances before telephones and electronic communication became widespread. The word is especially associated with urgent or consequential news, such as military announcements, election results, and personal messages sent by people far from home. Telegrams were valued for speed and could be delivered much sooner than letters sent through the post. The term is now mainly historical, although it remains common in discussions of the telegraph age and in fiction set during that period. As a verb, “to telegram” means to communicate by sending a telegram, but this use sounds dated in contemporary English. The word’s name reflects its original purpose: it combines Greek elements meaning “far” and “writing,” describing writing that travelled over a great distance.
A brief message sent by telegraph, typically as an urgent written communication transmitted over a long distance.
"The family received a telegram with news of the new job."
Chiefly historical, literary, or used when referring to the former telegraph system.
To send a message to someone by telegram.
"She telegrammed the news from the nearest telegraph office."
Dated; normally found in historical contexts.
The standard plural of telegram is telegrams.
"Several telegrams were delivered to the hotel before noon."
Telegram literally joins Greek roots meaning “far” and “writing,” a fitting name for a message that could cross great distances almost instantly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does telegram come from?
The English word entered use in the 19th century as a telecommunications term. It was formed through French télégramme from Greek roots meaning “far” and “letter” or “message,” combining the ideas of distant transmission with written communication. Its meaning later narrowed to the message itself, while related words such as telegraph, telephone, and telepathy developed from the same Greek prefix for distance.
Related word forms
How telegram is actually used
The noun is now mainly historical or literary, though it remains standard in formal writing about the telegraph era. The verb is dated and much less common than the noun.
Easily confused with telegram
A telegram is a message sent through a telegraph system, whereas a telegraph is the system or device used to transmit coded signals or messages.