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

Witnesses previously testified that Riley initiated the call through the SOS application on her phone. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024

Each recipe’s episode goes live at the start of the following month on the Dinner SOS feed. November 2024: Caramel Apple Monkey Bread Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Jesse Szewczyk, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon This project bake screams autumn. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appétit, 1 Nov. 2024

The news comes from Globalstar, a satellite communications provider that powers the Emergency SOS feature on newer iPhone models. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 1 Nov. 2024

The movie will serve as the SOS singer’s acting debut in a feature film. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 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