Showing results for hot war. Search instead for Fought wars.

hot war

American

noun

open military conflict; an armed conflict between nations.

The increasing tension in the Middle East could lead to a hot war.

Etymology

Origin of hot war

First recorded in 1945–50; by analogy with cold war

Compare meaning

How does hot-war compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

cold war vs. hot war

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Investors find themselves in the middle of a hot war in the Middle East, with oil prices touching their highest levels in years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

It needs to, because it’s a hot war now, right?

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2025

“President Xi Jinping reiterated during his recent visit to the United States that China will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

That strategy focuses on minimalist, gradual gains - more hybrid war than hot war.

From Washington Times • Nov. 18, 2023

But these jolly fellows had no idea of losing their lives, or a hair of their heads, or anything more than their appetites, after waging hot war upon victuals.

From Springhaven : a Tale of the Great War by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023