emergency
noun
emer·gen·cy
i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē 
plural emergencies
often attributive
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief
the mayor declared a state of emergency after the flood
Synonyms
Examples of emergency in a Sentence
Her quick thinking in an emergency saved the baby's life.
an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency
Recent Examples on the Web
Earlier this month, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to help secure federal funding to repair roads damaged by the fierce spring storms, including the two-lane highway.
—
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024
Change of clothes ▪ Paper maps ▪ Medicine and prescriptions
▪ First-aid kit
▪ Cash
Family emergency plan
▪ Emergency contact information: Miami-Dade County advises assigning a contact person for family members to call in an emergency.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
The advanced birth centers will not accept emergency walk-ins and will treat only patients whose insurance contracts with the facilities, making them in-network.
—Phil Galewitz, Fortune Well, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for emergency 
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024
Change of clothes ▪ Paper maps ▪ Medicine and prescriptions
▪ First-aid kit
▪ Cash
Family emergency plan
▪ Emergency contact information: Miami-Dade County advises assigning a contact person for family members to call in an emergency.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
The advanced birth centers will not accept emergency walk-ins and will treat only patients whose insurance contracts with the facilities, making them in-network.
—Phil Galewitz, Fortune Well, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for emergency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emergency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emergency
noun
emer·gen·cy
i-ˈmər-jən-sē
plural emergencies
1
: an unexpected situation that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for help
a state of emergency
Medical Definition
emergency
noun
emer·gen·cy
i-ˈmər-jən-sē
plural emergencies
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as
a
: a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention
b
: a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen
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