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 ministry further cited various activities and projects already in place that are aimed at raising awareness and supporting journalists, including a working group, an SOS line and an online platform. —ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

The survey continues work the newsroom did in 2022 when its journalists participated in a program called Democracy SOS, and is one of several ways The Republic has welcomed Arizonans to get involved. —Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026

When no one arrived, the passenger used the SOS feature. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026

Restoration work will be carried out through SOS Mata Atlântica’s Forests of the Future program. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for SOS

• bless
• chess
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse

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