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.
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
“Maybe,” he said mildly, “you believe me when I tell you there’s a sort of hot war on, to keep the Platform from taking off.”
From Space Platform by Leinster, Murray
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.
