hot war
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of hot war
First recorded in 1945–50; by analogy with cold war
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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.
At least for now, a hot war has morphed into an economic and political war of attrition.
From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2026
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
“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
After a long period of peace in the coal-trade, it looked as though a time of hot war between masters and men was approaching.
From Sir George Tressady — Volume I by Mrs. Humphry Ward
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
