First recorded in 1985–90
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the hot-button topic of the impact of artificial intelligence, he’s worried about it when combined with some troubling market mechanics.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 18, 2026
Political discord and polarization in the U.S. means most brands will continue to avoid hot-button topics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 6, 2026
Naturally, the couple segues into another disagreement, arguing about where to spend their upcoming vacation — a hot-button issue, since Joan’s cancer treatments are no longer working and time is suddenly precious.
From Salon ● Nov. 27, 2025
Before he started his four-year term, Tik vowed to get fellow lawmakers to debate the hot-button issue of universal suffrage to elect Hong Kong's leader.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
The women who host ABC’s “The View,” which is known for not shying away from hot-button topics, had been silent on the issue last week, but addressed Kimmel’s suspension Monday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2025
Instead of the large-studio presence, this year’s festival offered an intriguing mix of provocative films from around the globe, featuring hot button issues, occasional movie stars and artistic flourishes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
The hour-long debate also saw the two party leaders pressed on other hot button issues for Australia including housing and foreign policy, in particular Australia's relationship to the US.
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2025
But while the show was, indeed, partly inspired by a hot button cultural moment, it’s not a fantasy one.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2023
“Anyone who does political material is very brave. It’s a hot button thing. Brent is hitting it and hitting it. It riles people up and makes them watch. It’s a lot smarter than people think.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2023
Density is a hot button, to be sure.
From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2022
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.
