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to telegram

to telegram

1 5.1
To send a message by telegraph
  • verb
  • /ˈtɛlɪˌɡræm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : telegrafear
  • I must telegram Louis right away!

If we could send messages fast as the light, then theoretically we could telegrams the past, he thought.

Examples

  • I will telegram you the details of the event as soon as I can.

  • How soon can you telegram Minister?

  • But at this point, when when Lumumba sends that telegram, KGB already had some people there.

  • Harold, telegram the press.

  • She decided to telegram her family about the good news.

  • Please telegram us if you arrive before dinner.

Synonyms

to send
vsto telegram
602 3.2

Show a program to many people on radio or television

is focused on wired written transmissions not on broadcasting media
to relay
vsto telegram
102 3.5

To receive and then pass on a message or signal

is originally sent directly to its destination rather than being forwarded by someone
to transmit
vsto telegram
73 3.7

To send out a radio or TV program so people can receive it

is about sending a written message over wires rather than broadcasting programs
to message
vsto telegram
  • Texting
26 2.3

To send someone a short note by email, text, or chat

is sent via electrical signaling not through general electronic channels
to telegraph
vsto telegram
  • Archaic
5 6.4

To send a message over long wires using electric signals

is the paper written form sent through that electrical system
to telex
vsto telegram
  • Archaic
1 8.9

To send a typed message using a machine over long distance lines

is sent by electrical signal pulses rather than a typed-machine network
to teletype
vsto telegram
  • Archaic
9.5

To send a typed message that is printed far away

is transmitted by electrical signals rather than local printed output
to txt
vsto telegram
  • Texting
6.2

To send a short written message to someone's phone

is a longer formal written transmission over electrical lines rather than brief mobile messages

Compounds

letter telegram
  • Archaic
8.2

A cheaper written message sent abroad and delivered the next day

4.9

A short message sent quickly to someone in another country

How Fast

to text
  • Texting
296 2.6
email
  • Texting
724 1.0
to telegram
  • Archaic
1 5.1
to post
  • UK
127 1.0

Surface Forms

telegram infinitive
telegrammed past participle
telegramming present participle
telegrams third person singular

Etymology

The verb telegram uses the same parts tele- 'far' and -gram 'writing', so to 'telegram' someone is simply 'to send a written message from far away'. That's why people would telegram important news when they needed a fast, written notice.