sos

1 of 2

less common plural of of sol entry 1

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
The brand donates a portion of every sale to SOS Children’s Villages to fund vaccines and medical treatments for children in need. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple said Emergency SOS would be free for two years on new smartphones, but the company has extended that deadline multiple times. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 That includes a one-touch SOS, and creating and joining groups. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 Themes are The Infected, Witch Trials of 1692, Mitos y Leyendas (Myths and Legends), Dead End and — for guests 18 and older only — The SOS House. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sos. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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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