# telegram

/ˈtɛɫəˌɡɹæm/ (US) · /tˈɛlɪɡɹˌæm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/telegram
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. historical message

noun · CEFR B2 · Archaic

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- I will send you the link to the group on Telegram so you can join the chat.
- The company uses Telegram for internal communications because its file-sharing limits are more generous than those of its competitors.

Teaching tip: As a proper noun referring to the app, it is always capitalized.

### 3. to send a message

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to send a message to someone using the Telegram app.

For teachers: 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.

- Can you telegram me the address when you get there?
- 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.

## Examples

- She sent a quick telegram to confirm her arrival.
- The editor sent a telegram to the reporter asking for the latest details on the storm.
- In an age of instant messaging, the telegram remains a symbol of urgent, concise communication stripped of all unnecessary words.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.