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Mayday Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mayday

[ˈmeɪdeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

emergency signal

Mayday is an internationally recognized distress signal used primarily in emergency situations at sea or in the air. It is derived from the French term 'm'aider,' meaning 'help me.' When repeated three times, it indicates an urgent operational need for help.

Synonyms

call for help, distress signal, emergency signal.

Examples of usage

  • The pilot declared a mayday after engine failure.
  • She sent out a mayday signal from her distress beacon.
  • The crew initiated a mayday call to alert nearby ships.
  • During the storm, the captain transmitted a mayday message.
  • The rescue team responded to the mayday from the stranded boat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'mayday'

The term 'mayday' originates from the early 1920s when it was adopted as the standard international distress signal. It is derived from the French phrase 'venez m'aider,' which translates to 'come help me.' The use of 'mayday' as an emergency signal was officially recognized in 1927 by the International Radiotelegraph Convention. The repetition of the word three times (i.e., 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday') is a way to indicate the urgency and seriousness of the situation, ensuring that the message is understood clearly. The use of 'mayday' has since become commonplace in aviation and maritime contexts, symbolizing dire emergencies where swift rescue is required.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,487, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.