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

As part of her partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim's Detect the SOS campaign, Vergara is advocating for patients with hypertension — which is associated with several serious complications — by encouraging them to stay knowledgeable about their own health. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

Due to extremely spotty cell service, an emergency SOS beacon, like those made by Garmin, is also key. —Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026

California election results timing Once polls close, county election officials will report results, with counties conducting the semifinal official canvass of votes and reporting totals to the Secretary of State at least every two hours until the canvass is complete, according to the SOS's website. —Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Arkansas is 10th in strength of schedule; Mississippi State seventh and KU, which was awarded the 15th of 16 host sites, 60th in SOS. —Gary Bedore may 26, Kansas City Star, 26 May 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