telethon

American  

[tel-uh-thon] / ˈtɛl əˌθɒn /

noun

1. a television broadcast lasting several hours, especially one soliciting support for a charity.

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telethon British  

/ ˈtɛləˌθɒn /

noun

1. a lengthy television programme to raise charity funds, etc

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Etymology

Origin of telethon

1945–50; tele- ¹ + -thon ( def. )

Example Sentences

And for those who love entertainment, seeing the Oscars go forward as a partial telethon could make celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night far less odious.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2025

One of Robertson’s innovations was to use the secular talk-show format on the network’s flagship show, the “700 Club,” which grew out of a telethon when Robertson asked 700 viewers for monthly $10 contributions.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

At Sunday’s telethon event, Theron and the “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” campaign opposed the slew of bills recently introduced or signed into law that target the LGBTQ+ community.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2023

Who knows whether Reed’s tirade worked like a telethon and enticed a major corporation to throw some money at Bethune-Cookman.

From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2023

The county executive of Baltimore County helped lead a telethon that raised money for the widow of Sergeant Prothero and his children.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore