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.
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
Only minutes after sending a distress signal on 25 August, the ship had sunk in heavy seas.
From BBC • Jul. 24, 2024
His valve sent out a distress signal that established communication with his hands.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
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.
