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 area’s adorable cobblestoned streets and historic buildings all pay homage to its past as a 17th-century maritime hub, and Evalina’s location directly on the working waterfront (one of only 15 in New England cities) is well worth exploring. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

Deng, 37, a University of Chicago professor who grew up in the tech hub of Shenzhen, won for his progress on partial differential equations. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Only 28 guests can stay here at a time—the resort is available for exclusive use—making this one of our Travel Masters’ new favorite hubs to explore the Great Barrier Reef. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

Chase Williams is cofounder and CEO of Pathify, a leading digital engagement hub for higher education. — Chase Williams, Forbes.com, 23 July 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)