Basic usage:
* My grandmother received a telegram from her brother overseas.
* The news of the war was delivered by telegram.
* He sent a telegram to his wife announcing his arrival.
Figurative language:
* The message was like a telegram – short, direct, and to the point.
* The rumors spread with the speed of a telegram across the town.
Historical context:
* In the 19th century, telegrams were the fastest way to communicate over long distances.
* Before the internet, telegrams were used extensively in business and government.
You can also use "telegram" as a verb, meaning "to send a telegram":
* I telegraphed my parents to let them know I would be home late.
* The company telegraphed its employees about the upcoming layoffs.