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

Inside, passengers will find a plush cabin with four seats, large grab handles, faux-wood flooring, and visible Start/Stop, Support, and SOS buttons. —Utkarsh Sood june 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025

So far, the coalition has launched programs such as SOS (for kids’ online safety), Teenspace, and Wellness at Work. Vision, Vulnerability, and Lessons Learned With so many initiatives and his responsibilities, how does Kenneth Cole see leadership? —Xian Horn, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

While privately processing his grief with each footfall on his hours-long outings, McEnaney knows firsthand the damage caused by the secrecy and shame surrounding suicide, a topic that the SOS Signs of Suicide program seeks to address. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025

Earlier this month, a group of Cuban detainees at the facility protested the conditions by aligning their bodies in the recreation yard of the facility to spell SOS. —Churchill Ndonwie, Miami Herald, 24 June 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