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.
The rescue highlights the importance of carrying a satellite emergency device or a phone equipped with off-grid SOS functionality when adventuring solo in the backcountry. Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 18 July 2025 Short n’ Sweet and SOS were the Nos. 3 and 4 most popular albums of the year in Luminate’s 2024 year-end report. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 16 July 2025 In a follow-up post shared on Wednesday (July 16), the SOS performer doubled down on bringing attention to how AI affects the environment. Vibe, VIBE.com, 16 July 2025 Mountain Rescue Aspen and the sheriff’s office responded to an emergency SOS sent by the climber at about 9:15 a.m. Sunday, sheriff’s officials said. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 July 2025 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on SOS

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