may day vs mayday
may day
Definitions
noun
- observed in many countries to celebrate the coming of spring; observed in Russia and related countries in honor of labor
Examples
Not only is it blighted by foul conditions but it also bears no relation to the original concept of a May Day celebration.
It was a warm May day, so we were sitting at a bistro table outside, having biscotti and chai.
At least five people were injured during a May Day march in Sri Lanka when police fired tear gas.
mayday
Definitions
noun
- an internationally recognized distress signal via radiotelephone (from the French m'aider)
Examples
The major advantage is its ability to send an automatic Mayday that not only identifies the vessel (by the MMSI) but also gives its location when the radio is connected to a Loran or GPS.
Houle also suggested to higher authorities that downed aircrews use the term Mayday instead of just talking on the radio.
Finally, with knee-deep water in the cabin 200 miles from Bermuda, he issued a Mayday call.
