999 en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /naɪnz/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /naɪn.naɪn.naɪn/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /trɪpəl.naɪn/ (Received-Pronunciation)
Etymology
Established in the United Kingdom as the first emergency service number in the world, initially chosen because of its suitability at a time of rotary-dial telephones.
Meanings
- (Hong-Kong, Ireland, Singapore, UK, colloquial, metonymically, uncountable) Emergency services; emergency service personnel.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| nine nine nine | alternative | lexicographic | |
| triple nine | alternative | lexicographic |