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hot

adj. · v.
US //ˈhɑt// UK //hˈɒt// hot
  1. 1 high temperature (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    having a high temperature, like the sun or boiling water.

    having a high temperature; emitting or containing significant thermal energy.

    Example

    Be careful with that coffee because the cup is very hot.

    Example

    The desert air was so hot that the horizon seemed to shimmer and dissolve in the distance.
  2. 2 spicy food (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    producing a burning feeling in your mouth from spices like chili.

    containing spices that produce a burning sensation on the palate; piquant.

    Example

    I cannot eat this curry because it is too hot for me.

    Example

    The chef warned us that the local peppers were exceptionally hot, even for those accustomed to spicy cuisine.
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  1. 3 popular or trendy (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    very popular, new, or successful right now.

    currently popular, fashionable, or in high demand within a particular market or culture.

    Example

    That new video game is the hottest thing on the market this month.

    Example

    Investors are flocking to the region as it becomes a hot spot for emerging technology startups.
  2. 4 physically attractive (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Slang

    very sexually attractive.

    physically or sexually attractive; used to describe a person's appearance.

    Example

    Everyone in the office thinks the new manager is really hot.

    Example

    The lead actor in the new drama has become a household name, largely because fans find him incredibly hot.
  3. 5 angry or excited (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling very angry or having strong, excited emotions.

    characterised by intense emotion, especially anger, passion, or zeal.

    Example

    The two players had a hot argument on the field after the foul.

    Example

    The debate grew hot as both sides refused to compromise on the environmental regulations.
  4. 6 active or live (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    turned on and ready to use, like a microphone or a wire with electricity.

    carrying an electric current, or being in an active state of operation such as a live microphone.

    Example

    Don't touch that wire because it might still be hot.

    Example

    The engineer warned the crew that the microphone was hot, so they needed to remain silent behind the scenes.
  5. 7 stolen or illegal (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    recently stolen and dangerous to have because the police are looking for it.

    recently stolen and therefore difficult or dangerous to dispose of or possess.

    Example

    He tried to sell me a watch, but I suspected it was hot.

    Example

    The thieves found it impossible to sell the paintings because the items were too hot for any legitimate dealer to touch.
  6. 8 to heat up (v.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Informal

    to make something warm or hot.

    to increase the temperature of something; often used with 'up'.

    Example

    The competition is starting to hot up as we reach the final round.

    Example

    As the election approached, the political rhetoric began to hot up, with both candidates launching aggressive advertising campaigns.

    Usage

    Usually appears as the phrasal verb 'hot up'.
Origin

From Middle English hot, hat, from Old English hāt (“hot”), from Proto-West Germanic hait, from Proto-Germanic haitaz (“hot”), from Proto-Indo-European *keHy- (“hot; to heat”). Cognate with Scots hate, hait (“hot”), North Frisian hiet (“hot”), Saterland Frisian heet (“hot”), West Frisian hjit (“hot”), Dutch heet (“hot”), German Low German heet (“hot”), German heiß (“hot”), Danish hed (“hot”), Swedish het (“hot”), Icelandic heitur (“hot”). Superseded non-native Middle English chaud, from Old French chaut (“hot”); and early Modern English calent, from Latin calēns (“hot”).

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