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
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
Josue Levi Cuevas Santana faces charges of negligent operation, speeding, using a mobile device while driving, and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, according to State Police spokesperson Tim McGuirk.
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Raman backed Bass’ declaration of a homelessness emergency, which gave the mayor the power to award contracts and sign leases directly.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Kevin Strandberg, Owner of BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, says this is why his company encourages proactive care for your AC system during winter, when schedules are flexible and fewer emergency calls occur.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Bohon interacts with other people active in earthquake or emergency work for the state.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emergency
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Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Raman backed Bass’ declaration of a homelessness emergency, which gave the mayor the power to award contracts and sign leases directly.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Kevin Strandberg, Owner of BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, says this is why his company encourages proactive care for your AC system during winter, when schedules are flexible and fewer emergency calls occur.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Bohon interacts with other people active in earthquake or emergency work for the state.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emergency
Cite this Entry
“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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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