911

[ nahyn-wuhn-wuhn, nahyn-i-lev-uhn ]

1. (in the United States and Canada) the telephone number used to reach emergency medical, fire, and police services.

Word History and Origins

Origin of 911¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

A 43-year-old father was fatally shot by police in Las Vegas after he called 911 for help while fighting off an intruder in his home.

From BBC

Mr Durham had called 911 to report that two people were shooting outside and were trying to break into his home, police said in a press statement.

From BBC

“I thought he called 911 he didn’t- he put his hands in pocket for phone immediately after getting hit but phone wasn’t there just filled with blood so he took off down the driveway out to the main road to flag a car down for help. 10 cars later someone turned around to help and called 911.”

From Los Angeles Times

A 911 call was made from the scene around 11:10 a.m about an accident involving a single-engine craft, according to Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Sheila Kelliher-Berkoh.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the Autozone on the 1300 block of Highland Avenue at the intersection of Fountain Avenue was engulfed when firefighters arrived after a 911 call at 4:21 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times