Cablegram

A cablegram, also known as a telegram or wire, is a message sent by telegraph, particularly an international one. It was a primary means of rapid communication before the advent of modern technologies like email and the internet. Cablegrams relied on electrical signals transmitted along undersea or overland cables. They were often used for urgent business communications, declarations of war, or personal messages requiring immediate attention due to their speed advantage over mail services. Fees were charged per word, leading to concise language and abbreviations to minimize costs. The term is now largely considered archaic, replaced by faster and more versatile communication methods.

Cablegram meaning with examples

• The weary explorer sent a cablegram to his sponsors, reporting on the successful completion of his expedition and requesting immediate funds for his return journey. The terse message packed a multitude of emotions and events into a few chosen words, saving money on the transmission cost. The brevity meant that the explorer had to cut details and use jargon.
• During World War II, military officials relied heavily on **cablegrams** to coordinate troop movements and relay strategic information across vast distances. Decoding these encrypted messages was crucial to gaining insight into enemy movements and intentions. The impact that these dispatches and cables had on winning the war was substantial.
• Before the wedding, the bride received a cablegram from her family in the distant homeland, wishing her happiness. It carried a sense of formality due to its official origins but still was filled with joy. The delivery of the communication to her so quickly provided peace of mind and connection during an emotional time.
• The CEO dispatched a cablegram to the regional managers, demanding an explanation for the drastic drop in sales. The message, relayed through a company with its own dedicated cables, conveyed the seriousness of the matter. The speedy dispatch meant immediate attention and a resolution to the issue.
• Although infrequent, the announcement of the Olympic Games results was sent to the sports teams by cablegram . Before live television or instant internet updates, the news traveled via this method. The delayed nature of the communication compared to today's standards was a testament to the limitations of older technologies.