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

Profile Weaknesses: Only 1-7 vs. Q1, no headline victories, No. 280 nonconference SOS. —Jim Root, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Head back to the previous menu and make sure Emergency SOS is toggled on. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 13 Feb. 2025

Hours later, at 5:30 p.m., the Conservation Officers with NH Fish and Game were issued an SOS alert from the area of Mount Lincoln. —Charna Flam, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025

On this episode of Dinner SOS, Chris, Jesse and Kendra help listeners find inspiration and joy in cooking for themselves. February 12, 2025 ON THIS WEEK’S episode of Dinner SOS, test kitchen director and host Chris Morocco is joined by test kitchen editors Kendra Vaculin and Jesse Szewczyk. —Bon Appétit, 12 Feb. 2025

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