Definition

1. Noun:

   • A communication system: A system or apparatus for transmitting messages over a distance, especially by making and breaking an electrical connection, historically using Morse code.
   • A message sent by this system: The message transmitted via this apparatus (less common).

2. Verb:

   • To send a message by telegraph: To transmit a message using telegraphic apparatus.
   • To indicate unintentionally: To make something known or obvious in advance through one's actions or demeanor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The invention of the telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication in the 19th century.
  • The news arrived by telegraph from the capital.

• Verb:

  • They telegraphed the urgent report to headquarters.
  • The boxer telegraphed his next punch with a slight shoulder movement, allowing his opponent to dodge it.

Advanced Usage

• "to telegraph one's intentions": To make one's plans or next move obvious through subtle signals.

  • A good poker player never telegraphs their intentions.

• "to telegraph a pass" (sports): In sports like basketball or football, to make it obvious where you intend to throw the ball.

  • The quarterback telegraphed the pass, leading to an easy interception.

Variants and Related Words

• Telegraphic (adj): Relating to or resembling a telegraph; concise and abbreviated in style.

  • He sent a telegraphic message to save on costs.

• Telegraphy (n): The science or practice of using telegraph apparatus.

  • He studied telegraphy and wireless communication.

• Telegrapher/Telegraphist (n): A person who operates a telegraph.

  • The telegrapher decoded the Morse code message swiftly.

Synonyms

• Noun: Wire (informal), cablegram.
• Verb: Wire, cable, transmit, signal, foretell.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "telegraph" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically straightforward.)

Related Idioms

• "The writing is on the wall": While not containing the word "telegraph," this idiom shares the concept of something being clearly signaled or foretold, similar to the verb's second meaning.
  • The falling sales figures were a clear telegraph that the company was in trouble. (Here, 'telegraph' is used metaphorically within the sentence, not as part of a fixed idiom.)

Noun

1. apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)

Verb

1. send cables, wires, or telegrams