'telecast' originates from the combining of the Greek prefix 'tēle' and the English verb 'cast' (ultimately from Old Norse/Old English 'kasta'/'cast'), where 'tēle' meant 'far' and 'kasta/cast' meant 'to throw' or 'to send'.

'telecast' was coined in English in the early 20th century as a blend of 'tele-' and 'cast' (in the sense used in 'broadcast'); it did not evolve from a single earlier word but arose as a modern compound for television transmission.

Initially, it meant 'to broadcast by television' (or 'a television broadcast'), and it has retained that primary meaning in modern usage.