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

What to do nearby The hotel is located in the heart of Cannery Row, a former sardine fishing hub named after John Steinbeck's famous 1945 novel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Based in San Francisco, Wells Fargo employs about 27,000 people in the Charlotte region, making the city its largest hub. — Chase Jordan july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Finally there’s a comedy hub for people too afraid to make eye contact with their baristas. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 July 2026

The Great Lakes region has traditionally served as a hub for shipbuilding, maintenance and repair activities in the United States and is home to a key maritime supply chain, according to a press release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 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)