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

During a call with investors, Murdoch indicated Fox would place new emphasis on Tubi, its free streaming-video hub as well as a new streaming sports joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney that is slated to launch in the fall. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 May 2024

By fostering a community around art, music and education, PACT hopes to transform this small, rural town into a preeminent hub for psychedelic culture. —Renée Reizman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024

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

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)