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

Information about some thefts is reported to an AT&T security hotline.

From The Wall Street Journal

A hotline for the public to ask about casualties has been set up by Hong Kong police - the number is [phone].

From BBC

In an update, it added that it had also set up a help desk at the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and a hotline for assistance and public enquiries.

From BBC

Authorities set up a casualty hotline and opened two temporary shelters in nearby community centres for evacuated residents.

From Barron's

Madylin said that she and Sullivan work with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, noting that most who seek help do survive.

From Los Angeles Times