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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hub. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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
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