SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for SOS

• bless
• chess
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse

Kids Definition

SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

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