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

• 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

And true to that mission, the stall has become a community hub, a place for conversation and for people to reconnect with books and literature. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025

For many years, Puerto Rico served as a hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing for the United States. —Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025

The facility serves as a donation and distribution hub, providing a hand up to foster children, hungry children, single mothers, trafficking survivors, and struggling families. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

Lokono Cove As the destination’s retail hub, guests can buy handmade Bahamian goods and other items, from woodcarvings to jewelry and duty-free products. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 21 July 2025

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)