hub

noun

ˈhəb 

1

: the central part of a circular object (such as a wheel or propeller)

spokes attached to the hub of the wheel

2

a

: a center of activity : focal point

The island is a major tourist hub.

b

: an airport or city through which an airline routes most of its traffic

c

: a central device that connects multiple computers on a single network (see network entry 1 sense 3b)

3

: a steel punch from which a working die (see die entry 2 sense 3a) for a coin or medal is made

Synonyms of hub

• center
• mecca
• capital
• focus

Examples of hub in a Sentence

the hub of the city

She was at the hub of all the activity.

All of the airline's coast-to-coast flights pass through its hub.

The spokes attach to the hub of the wheel.

Recent Examples on the Web

The project is expected to create a new academic hub along Forbes Avenue while further strengthening the growing healthcare and education corridor in Uptown Pittsburgh. — Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

As a re-export hub, the UAE processed shipments from foreign suppliers reluctant to deal directly with Iranian customers. — Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Ancient writers like the first-century satirist Martial described foricae as a hub for socialization. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

American's plan is to use the XLRs to focus on routes to smaller European cities from its Philadelphia hub or from New York City. — Michele Luhn, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of hob entry 2

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hub

• hub-and-spoke

Rhymes for hub

• bub
• club
• cub
• dub
• grub
• nub
• pub
• rub
• scrub
• shrub
• snub
• stub

Kids Definition

hub

noun

ˈhəb 

1

: the central part of a circular object (as a wheel)

2

: a center of activity

Medical Definition

hub

noun

ˈhəb 

: the enlarged base by which a hollow needle may be attached to a device (as a syringe)