Dictionary

911 en · VERB · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• /ˌnaɪ̯n wən ˈwən/ (General-American)

Etymology

Chosen by the United States in the 1960s in place of the older British 999 number as a better way to avoid accidental calls from push-button telephones. It is officially pronounced "nine-one-one" and not "nine-eleven;" the latter refers to the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, but the pronunciation "nine-one-one" for the phone number was universal even prior to the attacks. 9/11 is universally distinguished from 911 to refer the September 11 attacks. Officially written as 9-1-1 in regulations and materials from the United States National Emergency Number Association and Federal Communications Commission, which is also advocated by some media style guides.

Meanings

1. (Belize, Canada, Philippines, US, colloquial, qualifier:Liberia) To call emergency services.
   • London hairstylist Rick Haylor for the John Frieda Salon—the man Nicole Kidman 911s when she wants her curly mop to lie down and look glamorous—tells you how to go straight. 1997 August 14, “50 New Fall Hair Looks”, in Cosmopolitan, volume 223, number 2, page 208:

Forms

wikipedia: National Emergency Number Association · wikipedia: United States · wikipedia: Federal Communications Commission · wikipedia: 9/11 attacks