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tele

tele

7 8.1
A television set for watching shows
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛli/
  • UK
translation icon : tele
  • He looks a lot older on tele, don't he?
  • tele-viewers
  • tele-hearers

Examples

  • Okay, I still can't hear my brand new tele.

  • So, ladies, I kind of need to use the tele...

  • Some fun new shows have started on the tele: Amazing Race, The Block, Married to Jonas.

    Blog text (27)
  • I didn't have a tele...

  • After a long day, I like to relax on the couch and watch my favourite show on the tele.

  • She turned off the tele and decided to read a book instead.

  • Every evening, we gather in the living room to watch the news on the tele.

Synonyms

television
vstele
626 1.0

An electronic device with a screen that receives broadcasts and shows moving pictures and sound

is informal and targets everyday conversation, not formal naming
tv
vstele
332 1.0

A screen device you use at home to watch shows and films

is informal rather than the short neutral name
set
vstele
  • Archaic
207 3.4

A machine like a television or radio

is informal and only means the screen device, not other receivers
52 1.4

A machine with a screen that shows moving pictures and sound

is informal and uses everyday speech not technical phrasing
tv set
vstele
43 1.0

A machine with a screen that shows moving pictures and sound

is informal and less technical in register
telly
vstele
  • UK
28 7.9

A machine like a TV that shows programs

is informal but refers only to the device, not the broadcast system
idiot box
vstele
  • Informal
4 7.2

A television people jokingly call a waste of time

is informal but neutral not insulting
boob tube
vstele
  • Archaic
4 8.8

A television set people watch to see shows

is informal but neutral rather than slang or mocking
teevee
vstele
  • Informal
1 8.8

A machine at home that shows programs and news

is informal but more neutral and less playful
goggle box
vstele
  • Archaic
8.1

A box in the home used to watch TV

is informal too but not specifically British in tone

Compounds

tele-
  • Specialized
3.7

A prefix meaning far away used to make words about distance or communication

Surface Forms

tele singular
teles plural

Etymology

Tele is an informal short form of television. The tele part means 'far' and vision means 'seeing', so tele refers to the machine that shows pictures sent from far away.