# SOS

/ˌɛˌoʊˈɛs/ (US) · /sˈɒs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sos
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. emergency signal

noun · CEFR B1

a signal sent by a ship or aircraft that is in danger and needs help immediately.

For teachers: The international Morse code distress signal (···---···) used by ships and aircraft to request emergency assistance.

- The sinking ship sent out an SOS to all nearby vessels.
- The coast guard picked up a faint SOS signal coming from the middle of the Atlantic, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'send', 'send out', or 'receive'.

### 2. a cry for help

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a message or call you send when you are in a difficult situation and need someone to help you.

For teachers: A figurative or informal request for assistance in a non-life-threatening but stressful situation.

- I sent an SOS to my best friend when I realized I had no money for the bus.
- The manager sent an SOS to the IT department after the entire server went offline during the presentation.

### 3. military food

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · American English · Vulgar

a slang name for a meal of creamed meat served on toast, often served in the army.

For teachers: Abbreviation for shit on a shingle. A military slang term for creamed chipped beef on toast.

- The soldiers complained about having SOS for breakfast again.
- While veterans often speak of SOS with a mix of nostalgia and disgust, it remains a staple of traditional military mess hall fare.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific American military term; most English speakers will only know the 'emergency signal' meaning.

## Examples

- The lost hikers sent an SOS from the mountain top.
- After the engine failed in the middle of the ocean, the captain immediately broadcast an SOS to nearby ships.
- The flare was intended as a visual SOS, hoping to catch the attention of the rescue planes patrolling the coastline before nightfall.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.