Definition of "telegraph" in English

noun

1. (uncommon) Synonym of telegraphy, any process for transmitting arbitrarily long messages over a long distance using a symbolic code.

   • This strict sense of telegraph developed from French usage for Napoleon's overland semaphore network but rather arbitrarily excludes similar Chinese and other signalling networks.

2. (chiefly historical) The electrical device gradually developed in the early 19th century to transmit messages (telegrams) using Morse code; the entire system used to transmit its messages including overhead lines and transoceanic cables.

   • The first message transmitted by telegraph in the United States was WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT.

3. (video games) A visible or audible cue that indicates to an opponent the action that a character is about to take.

verb

1. To use a telegraph, send a message by telegraph.

2. (figurative) To clearly communicate to another nonverbally, whether by gesture, a change in attitude, or any other sign, especially unintentionally.

   • Her frown telegraphed her displeasure.