hotline

American  

[hot-lahyn] / ˈhɒtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Also hot line a direct telecommunications link enabling immediate communication between heads of state in an international crisis.

   the hotline between Washington and Moscow.

2. Also hot line a telephone service enabling people to talk confidentially with someone about a personal problem or crisis.

   The protective services system is anchored by a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week emergency hotline.

3. Also hot line a telephone line providing customers or clients with direct access to a company or professional service.

   If you need assistance, feel free to chat with us through our online auto parts website or give our hotline a call.

4. Chiefly Canadian. a radio program to which listeners can phone in comments or questions.

   The radio hotline features advice and insight from a range of bank spokespeople during tax season.

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adjective

1. Chiefly Canadian. of or relating to a radio program to which listeners can phone in comments or questions.

hotline British  

/ ˈhɒtˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, for emergency use

2. any such direct line kept for urgent use

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Etymology

Origin of hotline

First recorded in 1950–55; hot + line ¹

Example Sentences

A hotline has been opened for witnesses to come forward, as the authorities try to determine the exact circumstances of the fire.

From Barron's

In interviews with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. citizens described getting little useful guidance besides a hotline message that warned them not to rely on the government for evacuation, and paying out of pocket to piece together their own routes home by car and commercial flights.

From The Wall Street Journal

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that the State Department had set up a hotline for Americans seeking to leave, staffed by 120 people fielding calls at a 24/7 call center, according to State officials.

From The Wall Street Journal

Miguel Aldaco, a California native living in Qatar, tried to call the State Department hotline, but said they had no information about evacuation flights.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said he has received no assistance from the State Department despite following its directions to register, call a hotline and fill out a crisis form.

From The Wall Street Journal