Translingual

Etymology

From French m'aider, short for Venez m'aider ! ‎(“Come help me!”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmeɪ.deɪ/

Interjection

mayday

1. (radio slang) emergency, need assistance
   • 2004, Ken Wishaw, Helicopter Rescue: The true story of Australia's first full-time chopper doctor‎, page 82

     'Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!' came the call.

Synonyms

• SOS

Translations

The call mayday is the international standard emergency call. However, many local variations also exist.

See also

• pan-pan

English

Alternative forms

• Mayday

Noun

mayday ‎(plural maydays)

1. An international distress signal used by shipping and aircraft
   • 2002, Clive Cussler, Valhalla Rising‎, page 47

     "Odd that she hasn't sent out a Mayday."
     "That is curious. Her radio must be disabled."

Translations

See also

• pan-pan
• SOS