noun
hothouse
Hothouse (noun) means a heated greenhouse used for growing plants that need warmth. Example: “The orchids were kept in a hothouse all winter.”
noun
1
A heated greenhouse used for growing plants that need warmth.
"The orchids were kept in a hothouse all winter."
2
An environment, often artificial, that pushes rapid growth or development.
"The academy became a hothouse for young chess talent."
"Critics called the elite school a hothouse that burns kids out early."
3
A setting charged with tension, intrigue, or conflict.
"The newsroom was a hothouse of rivalry and gossip."
verb
1
To push a child through an intensively enriched program aimed at speeding up their development.
"Parents who hothouse toddlers with flashcards worry teachers."
How to use hothouse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a heated greenhouse; figuratively, any place — good or bad — where things (talent, tension) grow fast.
Common pairings
hothouse environment
hothouse flower
hothouse a child
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Word forms
- Plural
- hothouses
- Third person singular
- hothouses
- Past tense
- hothoused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The orchids were kept in a _____ all winter.
Etymology
From Middle English hothous, simply hot + house.
Synonyms
View more →
conservatory
indoor garden
Related words
Rhymes for hothouse
See all rhymes for hothouse →Frequently asked questions
What does “hothouse” mean?
The word “hothouse” means a heated greenhouse used for growing plants that need warmth. In plain terms, literally a heated greenhouse; figuratively, any place — good or bad — where things (talent, tension) grow fast.
How do you use “hothouse” in a sentence?
Here is “hothouse” used in a sentence: “The orchids were kept in a hothouse all winter.”
What part of speech is “hothouse”?
Depending on how it is used, “hothouse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hothouse” come from?
The word “hothouse” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hothous, simply hot + house.
How many meanings does “hothouse” have?
“Hothouse” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heated greenhouse used for growing plants that need warmth.
