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

The committee lists strength of schedule (SOS) second only to conference championships in its consideration criteria for how to rank college football teams. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

December 11, 2024 ON THIS WEEK’S episode of Dinner SOS, test kitchen director and host Chris Morocco brings in test kitchen editors Kendra Vaculin and Jesse Szewczyk to discuss their favorite holiday recipes and tackle listener questions on how to spruce up their holiday menus. —Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024

Through services such as its SOS hotline, scam intervention, legal guidance, and personalized support, Rondesse addresses the full spectrum of challenges faced by scam victims. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

After promising a pair of albums, SZA has teased the deluxe edition of her record-breaking SOS album. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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