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

You’ve had the Health hotline number on merch, and John will actually answer it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The agency said anyone with information should contact its incident hotline on 0800 807060.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

According to police records, he then called an ICE hotline, a requirement stemming from Florida’s close cooperation with the agency.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

“The vast majority of the callers are individuals facing extortion or immediate physical danger,” said John Grace, the Ugandan activist who runs the hotline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

I smell smoke twice, wince when glass shatters on the floor, and listen in on the other phone to his conversation with the turkey hotline lady.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson