Emergency Terminology

noun a distress signal used by ships and aircraft

interjection a word used to signal distress or an emergency

• The pilot issued a mayday signal when the engine failed mid-flight.
• When the boat started taking on water, we had to call a mayday for help.
• I heard that party was a total mayday - a disaster from start to finish.
• In the midst of chaos, she felt like she was sending out a mayday signal for help.

noun SOS is a noun that stands for 'save our souls' or 'save our ship'. It is a distress signal used in emergencies to request help.

interjection SOS can also be considered an interjection when used as a cry for help or a distress signal.

• The ship sent out an SOS signal when it encountered a severe storm.
• I texted my friend an SOS when I needed help with my homework.
• I'm SOS-ing right now, can you come over and hang out?
• She felt like she was sending out an SOS in a crowded room, hoping someone would notice her distress.