telly
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of telly
First recorded in 1935–40; tel(evision) + -y 2
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.
"The existence of Small Prophets proves the point: that British telly can still create impossible marvels like this is a reason to keep believing in magic."
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
"Everything on telly was BBC," she said, adding that she grew up watching the sitcom Some Mothers Do Ave Em and Doctor Who, which ignited a love of science fiction.
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026
And the “Antiques Roadshow” version of the lottery—the old picture over the family telly that might be worth $200 million.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
“It’s crazy going to the Grammys and looking at all the famous people off the telly and just feeling very odd.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2025
"We never are. We're always eating off our knees and watching the telly."
From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
