hotline
Americannoun
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Also hot line a direct telecommunications link enabling immediate communication between heads of state in an international crisis.
the hotline between Washington and Moscow.
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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.
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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.
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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.
adjective
noun
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a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, for emergency use
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any such direct line kept for urgent use
Etymology
Origin of hotline
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.
In an under-reported story, the GI Rights hotline, which helps service members understand their rights to discharge and responds to other concerns, has seen a large increase in calls.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
The agency said anyone with information should contact its incident hotline on 0800 807060.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Alphabet’s Google said Gemini repeatedly clarified that it was AI, not human, and referred the Florida resident to a crisis hotline “many times.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
They gathered around Gallegos and community educator Luis Guzman, who informed them about free English classes, a hotline for immigration services and their rights as workers.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Apparently, I didn’t have an overabundance of concerned friends, but some Michigan media, along with a few psychic hotline types, were interested in hearing from The Prophet.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
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.
