French word

télégramme

Pronunciation

IPA/telegʁam/

Meaning

  • masculine nountelegram

Example

Il a envoyé un télégramme à sa mère.

He sent a telegram to his mother.

Illustration for télégramme (telegram)

More examples

Nous avons reçu un télégramme de condoléances.

We received a condolence telegram.

Core concept

A compact written dispatch carrying important news across a telegraph line.

Common phrases

  • envoyer un télégramme

    send a telegram

  • recevoir un télégramme

    receive a telegram

  • un télégramme de condoléances

    a condolence telegram

Similar words

message: Information conveyed in writing or speech.
SMS: A short text message sent by mobile phone.
lettre: A personal written document sent through the mail.
courrier: Letters and documents delivered by postal service.

Definition in French

Communication brève envoyée par télégraphe, utilisée pour transmettre des nouvelles importantes, formelles ou urgentes.

Word origin

The French noun télégramme was formed in the nineteenth century from télé- 'far' and -gramme 'written message', as telegraph technology spread.

Usage tips

  • In present-day French, télégramme is uncommon outside historical, literary, or formal contexts; message, SMS, or e-mail is usually more natural for ordinary contact.

Word lists with this word