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

This tool builds on Android's safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

As for the meaning behind the SOS? —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Apps like TripWhistle Global SOS can quickly connect you to emergency services anywhere in the world, giving you that extra peace of mind on the road. —Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 6 Dec. 2025

There's also a handy little power display on the shaft, and five modes to switch between, including a strobe and SOS flash. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025

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