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

Another helpful feature is the power bank and LED flashlight, complete with an SOS emergency light. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2025

Supporting communities Yuliia Krat is the lead psychologist at East SOS, a Ukrainian NGO that is helping with veteran reintegration. —Claire Harbage, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025

The new Dolphin sonar communication system allows watch-to-watch messaging up to 30 meters underwater and SOS signaling up to 60 meters. —Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

The expansions of Tower 28 into Sephora U.K. and Sephora Middle East in the last few months is a testament to the brand’s growing consumer base as hero products like its SOS Rescue Spray continue to be praised online. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 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