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Showing results for telegraphic. Search instead for telegraphing.

telegraphic

American  
[tel-i-graf-ik] / ˌtɛl ɪˈgræf ɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the telegraph.

  2. concise, clipped, or elliptical in style.

    telegraphic speech.


Other Word Forms

  • nontelegraphic adjective
  • pretelegraphic adjective
  • telegraphically adverb

Etymology

Origin of telegraphic

First recorded in 1785–95; telegraph + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yeah, Winslow is a guy who writes hard-boiled crime fiction full of leggy, tough-talking dolls and guys with $70,000 watches and short, telegraphic sentences.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2024

As a grad student, Blackburn began trying her hand at this telegraphic style of storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

It could also communicate with other instruments using telegraphic signals.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2023

Most people would have responded with a telegraphic “LOL. See you there.”

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2022

This is no work of literature, like Pepys’ diary, but a much more telegraphic record of day-to-day facts.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin