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

“But this week we’ve got more flights coming in to regional airports, more hubs opening inside Sudan, and we're getting more people on the ground as well.”

From BBC

China is very important for Uniqlo not only as a huge market but also as a major manufacturing hub.

From BBC

China is a crucial market for Uniqlo not just for customers but also as a major manufacturing hub.

From BBC

Personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing are housed at Feltwell and it serves as a logistical hub.

From BBC

Ms Warren heard about opportunities for work through the hub and decided she had "nothing to lose by coming in", she told the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

• nerve center