Synonyms

911

American

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

(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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A third suspect was arrested soon after inside a car matching the initial 911 caller’s description.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

The man had also been causing mischief at other homes nearby, she says, and one resident called 911.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“Call the NYPD, call 911 and make that complaint report.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Driving the Porsche 911 Cup for GMG Racing in the Mobil Pro Class, the 22-year-old Australian led from start to finish in Race 1 of the Carrera Cup North America on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

It’s like dialing 911, but instead of police, you’re calling other villagers.

From "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023