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

Plus, it can also be used for illumination or as an SOS strobe light. —Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024

Boyd has raised over $20,000 in campaign donations, according to the Idaho SOS campaign finance portal. —Rachel Spacek, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2024

Notably, half of SOS franchise owners have personal connections to autism, enhancing their commitment to quality and community engagement through free social events for affected families. —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024

This is not a story of a pilot having visions; the SOS sign was still there. —Leyton Cassidy, Longreads, 7 May 2024

Swift’s record-breaking 11th studio album retains top spot on the ARIA Chart, published Friday, May, 3, ahead of SZA’s SOS, which is boosted by the U.S. R&B star’s Australian arena tour which wrapped earlier in the week. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 May 2024

Sure enough, the team gets Parker’s SOS text and find his gun, badge, and cell phone at the hospital. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2024

Swift’s Lover leads a top three ahead of SZA’s SOS (RCA/Sony), up 13-2, and Swift’s rerecorded LP 1989 (Taylor’s Version), up 5-3, respectively. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024

One thing to consider is that iPhone 14 phone models and those after can use the emergency SOS feature with only satellite and not cellular data or WiFi coverage. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 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