hub

American  

[huhb] / hʌb /

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.

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.

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verb (used with object)

hubbed, hubbing

1. Metalworking. to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.

hub British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of hub

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of hob ¹

Example Sentences

Bologna's central rail station is a major hub, linking cities in the north and south, and east to west lines.

From BBC

While San Francisco has been the main hub during Super Bowl week, events and parties have been spread around the Bay Area, beginning with Opening Night in San Jose on Monday.

From BBC

US tariffs and shifting trade routes are meanwhile disrupting flows through key cutting and polishing hubs.

From Barron's

Bologna's rail station is a major transport hub, linking cities in the north and south, and east to west lines.

From BBC

In recent years, charming Bay St. Louis has become a hub for artists, who sell their wares at colorful shops and galleries like the French Potager and the Shops of Century Hall.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nerve center