988

American

[nahyn-eyt-eyt] / ˈnaɪnˌeɪtˈeɪt /

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

Etymology

Origin of 988

First recorded in 2022

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.

Right now, 988 offers callers direct access to counselors with specialized training in supporting veterans, another population with higher suicide rates than the national average.

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

At the time, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which funds the 988 hotline, said it would not “silo LGB+ youth services” but rather focus on serving all who are seeking help.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Both Raiders and Cowboys players wore shirts honoring Kneeland during pre-game warm-ups, with the Raiders jerseys carrying the number "988" of a suicide prevention helpline.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

Robert, the son of Hugh Capet, to whom this hymn is commonly, but probably incorrectly, ascribed, became king of France in 988 A.D.

From Readings from Latin Verse With Notes by Bushnell, Curtis C.

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