1
: an internationally recognized signal of distress in radio code ‧ ‧ ‧ - - - ‧ ‧ ‧ used especially by ships calling for help
2
: a call or request for help or rescue

Examples of SOS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Apple extended the original two-year free trial by a year and has yet to say what Emergency SOS will cost after then. Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025 At launch, Pixels only used Google's own satellite SOS system, which is being provided free for the first two years. Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025 The singer/songwriter’s SOS has tied with Michael Jackson’s Thriller, notching 79 total, nonconsecutive weeks each in the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025 The call by Parents SOS for escalating weapons detection systems usage would turn entering the school into something like an airport screening, the spokesperson said. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for SOS

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of SOS was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“SOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SOS. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

SOS

noun
ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes How to pronounce SOS (audio)
ˌes-ə-ˈwes
1
: an international radio code distress signal used by ships and aircraft calling for help
2
: a call for help

Medical Definition

SOS

abbreviation
if occasion require; if necessary
used in writing prescriptions
Etymology

Latin si opus sit

More from Merriam-Webster on SOS

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