sos

1 of 2

less common plural of of sol entry 1

SOS

2 of 2

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes How to pronounce SOS (audio)
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.
Noun
For emergencies, the device supports one-touch SOS and 911 calling. — Jon Stojan, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Five years passed between her generation-defining debut CTRL and its follow-up, SOS. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 Verizon specifically provides a Satellite SOS demo for compatible Android phones. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for sos

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sos was in 1910

Rhymes for sos

See All Rhymes for sos

Browse Nearby Words

sory
sos
SOS
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Cite this Entry

“Sos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sos. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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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

Abbreviation

Latin si opus sit

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