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SOS
noun
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
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
One thing to consider, iPhone 14 phone models and those after, can use the emergency SOS feature with only satellite and not cellular data or WiFi coverage.
—Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 17 Apr. 2024
Why does my phone say SOS? An SOS symbol appeared on the screens of iPhone users who use Verizon where cell service bars are normally shown.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024
Just like Apple’s system, Google’s SOS feature would reportedly present future Pixel owners with a series of questions to ascertain what’s happening, rather than let users thumb one out.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 14 Apr. 2024
The all-new award is inspired by the late June Carter Cash, who dedicated much of her life to working with charities, such as SOS Children's Villages in Austria, in addition to her music career.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'SOS.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Articles Related to SOS
Dictionary Entries Near SOS
Cite this Entry
“SOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SOS. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on SOS
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about SOS
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