hotline

[ hot-lahyn ]

noun

1. Also hot line. a direct telecommunications link enabling immediate communication between heads of state in an international crisis:

   the hotline between Washington and Moscow.

2. Also hot line. a telephone service enabling people to talk confidentially with someone about a personal problem or crisis:

   The protective services system is anchored by a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week emergency hotline.

3. Also hot line. a telephone line providing customers or clients with direct access to a company or professional service:

   If you need assistance, feel free to chat with us through our online auto parts website or give our hotline a call.

4. Chiefly Canadian. a radio program to which listeners can phone in comments or questions:

   The radio hotline features advice and insight from a range of bank spokespeople during tax season.

adjective

1. Chiefly Canadian. of or relating to a radio program to which listeners can phone in comments or questions.

hotline

/ ˈhɒtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, for emergency use
2. any such direct line kept for urgent use

Word History and Origins

Origin of hotline¹

First recorded in 1950–55; hot + line ¹

Example Sentences

The day after Trump won the election, The Trevor Project crisis hotline reported a 700% increase in calls and texts compared to two weeks prior.

From Salon

On social media, Trump supporters are already posting the hotline for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to report unauthorized migrants.

From Los Angeles Times

“We encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects illegal activities related to voting or any other aspect of the voting process to report these concerns immediately to the District Attorney’s Election Fraud Hotline.”

From Los Angeles Times

Soutar’s illegal voting was reported recently through Orange County’s election fraud hotline, the release said.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Hotline Bling star didn't exactly welcome his old friend back with open arms.

From BBC