Mayday

[mey-dey]

noun

1. the international radiotelephone distress signal, used by ships and aircraft.

Mayday

/ ˈmeɪˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the international radiotelephone distress signal

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mayday¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from French (venez) m'aider “(come) help me,” contraction of m(e) “me” ( me ( def. ) ) aider “to help” ( aid ( def. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mayday¹

C20: phonetic spelling of French m'aidez help me

Example Sentences

Taiwanese boy band F4 sprung a surprise reunion on fans at rock band Mayday's concert in Taiwan on Saturday.

From BBC

One of the pilots submitted a Mayday call just before the plane plummeted and crashed into a building used as doctors' accommodation, causing an explosion.

From BBC

About two minutes later, the pilot called in a Mayday and air traffic command gave permission for the plane to land from the opposite direction, the official said.

From BBC

It is understood he issued a Mayday call soon after take off and the Spitfire was seen turning just before it plunged toward the ground.

From BBC

It is understood he issued a Mayday call soon after take off and the spitfire was seen turning just before it plunged toward the ground.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonition 
• advice 
• alarm 
• alert 
• caution 
• example 
• guidance 
• hint 
• indication 
• information 
• lesson 
• notification 
• prediction 
• recommendation 
• sign 
• signal 
• suggestion 
• threat 
• word