apb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Jargon (formally); Informal (metaphorically)
Quick answer
What does “apb” mean?
An All-Points Bulletin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An All-Points Bulletin; a broadcast alert from one law enforcement agency to all others, requesting assistance in locating a suspect or responding to a situation.
In modern informal usage, it can refer to any widespread search, alert, or urgent call for information within any group or community (e.g., "Put out an APB on those missing files").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is most widely used in American law enforcement and media. In the UK, police would more typically use terms like 'police alert', 'wanted bulletin', or 'circulation'. However, "APB" is understood due to media exposure.
Connotations
In the US, it has a strong, immediate connotation from crime dramas. In the UK, it can sound like American media jargon when used outside of that context.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, both in technical and metaphorical use.
Grammar
How to Use “apb” in a Sentence
[Agent] issued an APB on [Target]There's an APB out for [Target]An APB has been put out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team leader requested they put out an APB on the system error.
- We should APB that issue to all departments. (rare, informal)
American English
- The sheriff decided to issue an APB on the suspect's vehicle.
- Let's APB the team about the schedule change. (rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- The APB alert was cancelled an hour later. (as a compound modifier)
- It was an APB-level situation in the office.
American English
- He was the subject of an APB notice.
- We're in full APB mode until we find the bug.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'Management put out an APB for the missing contract draft.' Suggests urgency and a search involving many people.
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in criminology or media studies texts discussing police procedure or media representations.
Everyday
Mostly in metaphorical, informal use: 'Mum put out an APB on the car keys.' Understood as a humorous exaggeration.
Technical
Used formally in law enforcement and emergency services communications in the US.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apb”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apb”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apb”
- Using 'APB' as a verb (e.g., 'They APB'd him') is non-standard and jarring. It is a noun. Confusing it with 'APR' (Annual Percentage Rate). Misspelling as 'ABP'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It's a standard term in US law enforcement. UK police have analogous systems but use different terminology. The term is globally understood due to media.
Only in a deliberately informal or metaphorical sense to convey urgency. It is jargon, not standard formal vocabulary. 'Urgent alert' or 'company-wide notice' are more appropriate.
Both are US law enforcement alerts. An APB is typically a broadcast to *all* units/agencies. A BOLO ('Be On the LookOut') is often more specific, advising units to watch for a person/vehicle, but may not request immediate action.
It is pronounced by saying each letter: Ay-Pee-Bee /ˌeɪ.piːˈbiː/. It is not pronounced as a single word.
An All-Points Bulletin.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put out an APB (on someone/something)”
- “APB out (for something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**A**ll **P**olice **B**roadcast: Imagine a message being broadcast to *all points* on a police radio map.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEARCH IS A POLICE ALERT (e.g., searching for information is like issuing an APB).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'APB' LEAST likely to be used literally?