telethon

noun

tele·​thon ˈte-lə-ˌthän How to pronounce telethon (audio)
: a long television program usually to solicit funds especially for a charity

Examples of telethon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her appearance at Fenway was part of a telethon supporting The Jimmy Fund for cancer research. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Pierron, who recalled not being able to watch the 1986 World Cup final in Olathe because it had been preempted by a telethon, bought season tickets right away. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 Carroll also enjoyed doing stories about Make a Wish and being part of their telethon to raise money. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 Over the course of 19 previous telethons, the CBS Philadelphia Telethon has raised more than $70 million. — Cbs News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for telethon

Word History

Etymology

tele- + -athon

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of telethon was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

telethermoscope
telethon
teletranscription
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Telethon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telethon. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

telethon

noun
tele·​thon ˈtel-ə-ˌthän How to pronounce telethon (audio)
: a long television program usually to raise funds for a charity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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