hub

[ huhb ]

noun

1. the central part of a wheel, as that part into which the spokes are inserted.
2. the central part or axle end from which blades or spokelike parts radiate on various devices, as on a fan or propeller.
3. a center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate; a focus of activity, authority, commerce, transportation, etc.:

   Chicago is a railroad hub.

   Synonyms: heart, pivot, core

4. the Hub, Boston, Massachusetts (used as a nickname).
5. the peg or hob used as a target in quoits and similar games.
6. any one of the holes in an electrical panel, into which connections may be plugged.
7. Computers. a device connecting others in a network and enabling communication among them by receiving data packets from any of the devices and broadcasting them to every device on the network irrespective of the intended destination: used primarily in small local area networks. Compare switch ( def 6a ).
8. Coining. a design of hardened steel in relief, used as a punch in making a die.
9. Surveying. a stake bearing a tack used to mark a theodolite position.
10. Metalworking. a die forced into a metal blank.

verb (used with object)

, hubbed, hub·bing.

1. Metalworking. to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.

hub

/ hʌb /

noun

1. the central portion of a wheel, propeller, fan, etc, through which the axle passes
2. the focal point
3. computing a device for connecting computers in a network

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of hob ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

C17: probably variant of hob ¹

Example Sentences

Vang Vieng is a small riverside town in central Laos, and a hub for backpackers in Southeast Asia.

From BBC

“Old Twitter” refers to the platform’s earlier role as a hub where scientists could talk to one another, distribute and discuss preprints and published papers, post job openings and conference invitations, and communicate their research to the public.

From Science Magazine

Two areas bearing the brunt of these advances are Kupiansk in Kharkiv region, and Kurakhove, a stepping stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region.

From BBC

The rapper said he believed that charity efforts like Band Aid "fuel pity rather than partnership", and that he wanted to "reclaim the narrative" by empowering Africans "to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism."

From BBC

For months, Ukraine has been battling to push back Russian troops who have been slowly advancing in the eastern Donetsk region towards the key city of Pokrovsk - a major supply hub for Ukrainian forces.

From BBC

Related Words

• nerve center