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

• axis
• base
• capital
• center
• central
• core
• cynosure
• epicenter
• eye
• focus
• ground zero
• heart
• locus
• mecca
• navel
• nerve center
• nexus
• nucleus
• omphalos
• seat

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

This is a massive obstacle, as China is a major minerals processing hub. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 May 2025

Brian Trainer, who founded the Sacramento Spur Club in 2014, helped cement Zebra Club as a Tottenham fan hub. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025

Moreschi was established by Mario Moreschi in 1946 in Vigevano, Italy — a renowned shoe manufacturing hub located about 30 miles southwest of Milan, which has partially lost its prominence in recent years. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 22 May 2025

On May 22, United will begin flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), giving all of United’s hubs direct flights to San Jose. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 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)