telly
Americannoun
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
"I've been on telly for 25 years, I must have been awful!"
From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025
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
“If we catch him before Father Ted comes on the telly, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to tell you anything you like.”
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
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.
