Mayday

1 of 2

communications signal

used as a distress call in international radio-telephone communications
: May 1 celebrated as a springtime festival and in some countries as Labor Day

Word History

Etymology

Communications signal

French m'aider help me

First Known Use

Communications Signal

1927, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mayday was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mayday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mayday. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

Mayday

1 of 2
an international radio signal word used as a distress call
: May 1 celebrated as a springtime festival and in some countries as Labor Day

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