988

American  

[nahyn-eyt-eyt] / ˈnaɪnˌeɪtˈeɪt /

1. (in the United States) the telephone number for a mental health crisis hotline staffed by licensed counselors and other staff trained in suicide prevention.

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Etymology

Origin of 988

First recorded in 2022

Example Sentences

You can connect with people who want to listen and support you by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by calling 111 in the UK.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Then last year, they achieved a goal long in the works: direct training for 988 counselors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“I’ve called 988, I’ve texted 988 before, and my experience was I don’t want to do it anymore.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Readers in the US and Canada can call the 988 suicide helpline or visit its website.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

A.B. put 1188 men out, and assisted sixty-four times, while making fifteen errors; his fielding average is therefore 1252 divided by 1267, or 988, 1000 being perfect fielding.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 "Banks" to "Bassoon" by Various