distress signal
Americannoun
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a signal used, or designed to be used, by persons in peril, for the purpose of summoning aid, indicating their position, etc., as a radio code sign, aerial flare, flag hoist, or the like.
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an indication, especially a nonverbal one, that assistance, cooperation, or the like, is needed.
He correctly interpreted the host's upturned eyes as a distress signal and hastily changed the subject.
noun
Etymology
Origin of distress signal
First recorded in 1870–75
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.
Weir and a small crew are sent on a recovery mission after the lost spaceship, the Event Horizon, suddenly reappears in orbit around Neptune, issuing a distress signal.
From Salon ● Jul. 17, 2026
The increase represents yet another distress signal coming from within the housing market.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 10, 2026
"The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal on," Petro said, referring to the strike that killed Carranza.
From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2025
Sea Story, a live-aboard used mainly for maritime activities, sent a distress signal after a large wave crashed into the boat, causing it to capsize.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2024
I know all about hornets: If one sends out a distress signal, it can trigger a whole nest attack.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
