noun
Common
hub
huhb
Hub (noun) means the central part of a wheel, around which it turns. Example: “The cyclist tightened the nuts that hold the wheel to the hub.”
noun
1
The central part of a wheel, around which it turns.
"The cyclist tightened the nuts that hold the wheel to the hub."
"Spokes run outward from the hub to the rim of the wheel."
"The mechanic greased the wheel hub before refitting the tyre."
2
A central point where many routes, activities, or services converge.
"The train station is the hub of the town's bus network."
"The airport is a major hub for flights across Europe."
"The city has become a hub for tech startups."
3
A small networking device that connects several devices on a local network.
"The technician replaced the faulty hub in the office cupboard."
"Each printer connects to the hub with a short cable."
"He plugged all three computers into the same network hub."
How to use hub
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA central point that everything else connects to or revolves around — literally on a wheel, or figuratively for a place, business, or network.
Common pairings
transport hub
wheel hub
hub of activity
network hub
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Word forms
- Plural
- hubs
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The cyclist tightened the nuts that hold the wheel to the _____.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, related to an old dialect word "hob"; possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "bump" or "hill."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for hub
See all rhymes for hub →Frequently asked questions
What does “hub” mean?
The word “hub” means the central part of a wheel, around which it turns. In plain terms, a central point that everything else connects to or revolves around — literally on a wheel, or figuratively for a place, business, or network.
How do you pronounce “hub”?
“Hub” is pronounced huhb (/hʌb/ in IPA).
How do you use “hub” in a sentence?
Here is “hub” used in a sentence: “The mechanic greased the wheel hub before refitting the tyre.”
What is another word for “hub”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hub” include hub world.
What part of speech is “hub”?
“Hub” is a noun.
Where does the word “hub” come from?
The word “hub” comes from Germanic. Of uncertain origin, related to an old dialect word "hob"; possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "bump" or "hill.".
Is “hub” a common word?
“Hub” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hub” have?
“Hub” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the central part of a wheel, around which it turns.
What is the difference between a hub and a switch in networking?
A hub is a simple device that connects several devices on a local network and repeats incoming data to every connected port. A switch is smarter: it learns which device sits on which port and forwards data only where it needs to go, which reduces congestion. For that reason switches have largely replaced hubs in modern networks.
What is the difference between a hub and a centre?
A centre is simply a middle point or main location. A hub specifically implies convergence: routes, services, or activity flowing in and out through one point, the way spokes meet at the hub of a wheel. Calling a city a "tech hub" therefore suggests connection and exchange, not just location.
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