ENGLISH
REFERENCE

telegram

n. · v.
US //ˈtɛɫəˌɡɹæm// UK //tˈɛlɪɡɹˌæm// tele·gram
  1. 1 historical message (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Archaic

    a written message sent by wire and delivered in printed form, used before emails and texts existed.

    a message transmitted by telegraphy and delivered in physical form. Historically used for urgent communication before the advent of digital networks.

    Example

    In the old days, people sent a telegram to share urgent news with family in other cities.

    Example

    The diplomat received a coded telegram from the ministry, instructing him to delay the negotiations until further notice.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'send' or 'receive'.
  2. 2 messaging app (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a modern app used for sending instant messages, photos, and videos over the internet.

    a proprietary, cloud-based instant messaging service known for its encryption and large group chat capabilities.

    Example

    I will send you the link to the group on Telegram so you can join the chat.

    Example

    The company uses Telegram for internal communications because its file-sharing limits are more generous than those of its competitors.

    Teacher's tip

    As a proper noun referring to the app, it is always capitalized.
  3. 3 to send a message (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    to send a message to someone using the Telegram app.

    to transmit a message via the Telegram instant messaging platform. This usage is transitive when it takes a person or a message as an object.

    Example

    Can you telegram me the address when you get there?

    Example

    She telegrammed the documents to the entire team to ensure everyone had the latest version before the meeting started.

    Usage

    The verb is often used transitively with the recipient as the direct object.
Origin

From tele- + -gram.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026