hotbed

noun

hot·​bed ˈhät-ˌbed 

1

: a bed of soil enclosed in glass, heated especially by fermenting manure, and used for forcing or for raising seedlings

2

: an environment that favors rapid growth or development

a hotbed of activity

Synonyms of hotbed

• center
• mecca
• nest

Examples of hotbed in a Sentence

a hotbed of political unrest

prerevolutionary Boston was viewed as a hotbed of treason by the British

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the night, Allie and Owen’s paths continue to cross in the hotbed of lust sweeping across the Big Apple, leading each to wonder if they are truly meant for each other or just there to exist as the means for a desperate encounter. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Dance In recent years, a small loft above a beauty-supply store in East Williamsburg has emerged as a hotbed of dance experimentation. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

It’s been a long while since Washington Avenue was a glamorous hotbed of South Beach dining, clubbing and live music. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Some have theorized that the area is a hotbed of alien activity, positing that these extraterrestrial beings are abducting humans for study. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hotbed

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

hotbed

noun

hot·​bed ˈhät-ˌbed 

1

: a heated bed of soil enclosed in glass and used for growing seedlings

2

: an environment that favors rapid growth or development

a hotbed of innovation