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View synonyms for SOS

SOS

1
  1. the letters represented by the radio telegraphic signal (· · · – – – · · ·) used, especially by ships in distress, as an internationally recognized call for help.


noun

  1. any call for help:

    We sent out an SOS for more typists.

verb (used without object)

  1. to send an SOS.

SOS

2

abbreviation for

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

s.o.s.

3

abbreviation for

  1. (in prescriptions) if necessary.

SOS

noun

  1. an internationally recognized distress signal in which the letters SOS are repeatedly spelt out, as by radio-telegraphy: used esp by ships and aircraft
  2. a message broadcast in an emergency for people otherwise unobtainable
  3. informal.
    a call for help
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word 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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Word 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

The presenter of DIY SOS is one of 15 famous faces taking part in the new series, which kicks off later this month.

From BBC

Most areas of the park don’t have cellphone coverage, but newer iPhones have an SOS feature that enables them to still make emergency calls.

He also co-founded a group known as SOS.BY which united prominent athletes speaking out against the Belarus leader's authoritarian rule.

From BBC

Known for hits like The Time's Jungle Love and The SOS Band's Just Be Good To Me, they teased out a new sound for the singer – full of industrial-strength rhythms and strident, assertive lyrics.

From BBC

He says he has sent out “an SOS” to the Northern Ireland Assembly over the severe backlog.

From BBC

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