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

SpaceX is set to launch eight satellites responsible for emergency SOS alerts on Saturday night and attempt a land recovery of the rocket’s booster that could bring a sonic boom to Central Florida. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

In January, Verizon was hit by a major outage, during which subscribers also saw their phones display SOS Mode. — Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department got Zelig’s SOS alert as well. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 30 July 2026

Once veterinarians determined the lizard was healthy, the team released it back into what Wildlife SOS said was its natural habitat. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 July 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