911

American  

[nahyn-wuhn-wuhn, nahyn-i-lev-uhn] / ˈnaɪnˌwʌnˈwʌn, ˈnaɪn ɪˈlɛv ən /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of 911

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

He called 911 twice to report the blaze, but said nothing about how it started, according to evidence presented in a downtown federal courthouse Thursday morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

The video, the affidavit stated, was taken minutes before the 911 call was made that day.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

His primary attorney Steve Haney contends that the fire was instead set off by people using fireworks, and that his client was a "Good Samaritan" who called 911 a total of 17 times.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

“Based on what is happening currently with emergency services like 911 in L.A., there needs to be something that can supplement that system, because we’re seeing that it’s not working,” he said.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

The next time she called 911, she was going to request cops who wouldn't send her alone into an occupied building.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell