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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pronto and Snabbit have an SOS button within the app that alerts area supervisors in case of emergency. Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 20 Apr. 2026 Bieber returned the favor last night, bringing out the SOS singer as his closing guest. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026 Four members of Mountain Rescue Aspen were skiing in the area and arrived on scene as the injured person was sending out the SOS, sheriff’s officials said. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 If the caller doesn't know where they are located, the City of Miami Fire Rescue can use a rapid SOS system. Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for SOS

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of SOS was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“SOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SOS. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

SOS

noun
ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes How to pronounce SOS (audio)
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

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