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
As this extreme weather event continues, officials will monitor conditions and provide updates on emergency measures.
—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
But in 2022, Mr. Bukele declared a state of emergency to quell gang violence, and sent the military into the streets, arresting tens of thousands of people around the country, accusing them of gang ties or other crimes.
—Annie Correal, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
Today, the agency works in more than 150 locations around the world, leads efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs the international response to health emergencies, from yellow fever to cholera and Ebola.
—Eve Brennan, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
According to the attorney general’s office, state law prohibits companies from increasing prices over 10% when a state of emergency is declared.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for emergency 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
But in 2022, Mr. Bukele declared a state of emergency to quell gang violence, and sent the military into the streets, arresting tens of thousands of people around the country, accusing them of gang ties or other crimes.
—Annie Correal, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
Today, the agency works in more than 150 locations around the world, leads efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs the international response to health emergencies, from yellow fever to cholera and Ebola.
—Eve Brennan, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
According to the attorney general’s office, state law prohibits companies from increasing prices over 10% when a state of emergency is declared.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for emergency
Dictionary Entries Near emergency
Cite this Entry
“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share