Mayday

[ mey-dey ]

noun

1. the international radiotelephone distress signal, used by ships and aircraft.

Mayday

/ ˈmeɪˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the international radiotelephone distress signal

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mayday¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from French (venez) m'aider “(come) help me,” contraction of m(e) “me” ( me ( def ) ) aider “to help” ( aid ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mayday¹

C20: phonetic spelling of French m'aidez help me

Example Sentences

It is understood he issued a Mayday call soon after take off and the Spitfire was seen turning just before it plunged toward the ground.

From BBC

It is understood he issued a Mayday call soon after take off and the spitfire was seen turning just before it plunged toward the ground.

From BBC

Mayday, known for their "positive rock music", are among the most successful Taiwanese acts in mainland China.

From BBC

Some Chinese social media users questioned why Mayday is being singled out when many performers, even those who appear on state television, are believed to lip sync.

From BBC

Telling, who raced T-6s for 10 years, doubts there was a mechanical failure because someone would have radioed “Mayday.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• admonition
• advice
• alarm
• alert
• caution
• example
• guidance
• hint
• indication
• information
• lesson
• notification
• prediction
• recommendation
• sign
• signal
• suggestion
• threat
• word