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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Partnering with community hubs, like museums, can also broaden exposure to diverse career options in an engaging environment. Khaitsa Wasiyo, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Downtown San Francisco, especially in the vicinity of its Union Square shopping hub, remains in the doldrums years after other cities recovered from Covid-era lockdowns. Marc Joffe, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024 Their new prize, organized under the banner of the Freshly Ground Stories hub launched by Abidi earlier this year, was among around 30 collateral prizes meted out to the 31 projects showcased in the festival’s Red Sea Souk’s project market. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 An empty lot next door to Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter Museum was envisioned as part of a major residential and commercial hub meant to spark vitality in the city. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hub 

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of hob entry 2

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hub was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near hub

Cite this Entry

“Hub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hub. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hub

noun
1
: the central part of a circular object (as a wheel)
2
: a center of activity

Medical Definition

hub

noun
: the enlarged base by which a hollow needle may be attached to a device (as a syringe)

More from Merriam-Webster on hub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!