SOS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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SOS

the letters represented by the radio telegraphic signal (· · · – – – · · ·) used, especially by ships in distress, as an internationally recognized call for help.

noun

any call for help:
We sent out an SOS for more typists.

verb (used without object)

to send an SOS.

SOS

abbreviation for

Slang.

shit on a shingle (a euphemistic initialism used to avoid explicit vulgarity).

s.o.s.

abbreviation for

(in prescriptions) if necessary.

SOS

noun

an internationally recognized distress signal in which the letters SOS are repeatedly spelt out, as by radio-telegraphy: used esp by ships and aircraft
a message broadcast in an emergency for people otherwise unobtainable
informal.
a call for help

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of SOS¹

First recorded in 1905–10; from the Morse code alphabet, in which three dots (or short clicks) represents the letter S and three dashes (or long clicks) represents the letter O

Origin of SOS²

From Latin sī opus sit

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of SOS¹

C20: letters chosen as the simplest to transmit and receive in Morse code; by folk etymology taken to be an abbreviation for save our souls

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"I have cleared my chats across messaging apps, and I have learned how to quickly lock my phone in SOS mode," he said.

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We scrambled for help, making calls, sending SOS messages, hoping someone might have a lead.

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They said Zaman went into "about three" schools, sometimes alone, as part of the charity's SOS project in Yorkshire.

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Mitchell was taking part in an SOS Christmas in the Cage match at Colchester's Charter Hall when he attempted to catch a wrestler who had dived outside the ring.

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Elsewhere in this week's chart, Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet takes the number two spot, and SZA's SOS is holding steady at number three.

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