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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of the biggest stars in Latin music will gather Thursday for the 25th anniversary of the Grammys in Miami — a hub of Latin American culture and the headquarters of the Latin Recording Academy. Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 After over two years of planning, delays, and construction, Gilroy celebrated the transformation of a back alley into a public pedestrian plaza in a move that officials say will bring new life into downtown and serve as a hub of activity in the city. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Unsold or uncirculated newspapers are piled at the end of every day in every kiosk in every city there, picked up and returned to a recycling hub where it is taken directly to the paper recycling and pulp processing centers. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 By reimagining office spaces as hubs for team-building and innovation, businesses can derive greater value from in-person interactions. Steve Osler, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hub 

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of hob entry 2

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hub was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near hub

Cite this Entry

“Hub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hub. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hub

noun
1
: the central part of a circular object (as a wheel)
2
: a center of activity

Medical Definition

hub

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!