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

With the green light to use long-range missiles, airfields and key logistics hubs deep inside Russia have also come within Ukraine’s range.

From BBC

Ukraine marked 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion on Tuesday with Russian forces waging relentless attacks in a bid to seize key hubs in the east of Ukraine.

From BBC

Anyone who has explored London beyond its tourist hubs, or has at least glanced at the pages of a Zadie Smith novel, knows that multiculturalism gives the city its life.

From New York Times

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

King Charles III is to mark his 76th birthday by opening two hubs that will distribute large volumes of surplus food to food banks, schools and community centres.

From BBC

Related Words

• nerve center