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 of hub

• 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

The company wants to use smaller airports to move urgent shipments, including medical supplies, aircraft components, and other high-value goods, without routing everything through major aviation hubs. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Marie, a rural outpost that for thousands of years has been a gathering place and trading hub for Indigenous communities. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Metro also didn’t receive $23 million for additional improvements at transit hubs, including seating, shade structures, Wi-Fi, restrooms, hydration stations, vending machines and concessions. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

As American Airlines earns substantial profits from its Charlotte hub, advocates said the workers who keep it running should receive a fair share. — Chase Jordan october 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

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)