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

Theodore Payne, a California native plant nursery and education center, runs a wildflower hotline, where people can call in and hear weekly recorded reports on hot spots.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 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

Feeling disapproval at home, Grace, the hotline activist, moved into a house a couple of miles away in 2020, throwing parties and having friends over to watch soccer matches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Google said it sent its deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Gavalas, while noting that Gemini had "clarified that it was AI" and referred Gavalos to a crisis hotline "many times".

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

“Every municipality has a suicide hotline, and they’re listed right in the government services section of the yellow pages,” it says.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini