Code Red
noun
variants
or code red
plural Code Reds or code reds
1
: a declaration or state of emergency in a hospital when smoke or fire has been detected
2
: an officially declared emergency situation (such as a hazardous weather event) that requires action to ensure safety
If residents see a person who appears unhoused during a Code Red, they are urged to request a street outreach team by contacting the city's Homeless Outreach hotline …—
Zoë Read et al.
Zoë Read et al.
also
: a warning of such a situation
There were no notifications, no warning sirens, no Code Reds issued. —The Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle (figurative) But the Code Red isn't just for Newark: The whole country faces a critical lack of air-traffic controllers, with the Federal Aviation Administration looking to hire another 3,000 … —The New York Post
The New York Post Examples of Code Red in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the temperatures rising into the 90s and a dangerous heat index, Newark, New Jersey, is activating a Code Red warning to keep residents and soccer fans attending World Cup festivals safe.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Baltimore homeless facilities used as cooling centers during Code Red advisories saw a slight increase in attendance on Thursday because of the heat.
—Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2026
In Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras J. Baraka activated the first Code Red alert of the year.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Christine Sloan, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Baltimore homeless facilities used as cooling centers during Code Red advisories saw a slight increase in attendance on Thursday because of the heat.
—Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2026
In Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras J. Baraka activated the first Code Red alert of the year.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Code Red.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Code%20Red. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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