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.

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

The sessions were voluntary, and their recordings were placed in the online library of continuing education materials available to all 988 counselors.

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

Call 988 to connect to trained mental health counselors or text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

PETER, surnamed of Damian, was born about the year 988, in Ravenna, of a good family, but reduced.

From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban

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