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.

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Etymology

Origin of 911

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Beckham, 23, was pulled over in Westminster last September after an officer saw him with both hands on his mobile, instead of the steering wheel, while at a red light in the Porsche 911 Carrera.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 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

He may exaggerate about the toothaches, but the city routinely deploys firefighting crews to respond to 911 medical calls that could be handled by emergency medical technicians at much lower cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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

And now there’s no way to call 911?

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix