English Reference
adjective · verb

hot

adj. · v.
US /ˈhɑt/ UK /hˈɒt/ hot UK spelling hotdog, hotdogs, hotted

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The desert air was so hot that the horizon seemed to shimmer and dissolve in the distance.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Cooking

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The chef warned us that the local peppers were exceptionally hot, even for those accustomed to spicy cuisine.

    spicypiquantfiery
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    adj.very popular, new, or successful right now.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Investors are flocking to the region as it becomes a hot spot for emerging technology startups.

    trendypopularin demand
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate InformalSlang

    adj.very sexually attractive.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The lead actor in the new drama has become a household name, largely because fans find him incredibly hot.

    attractivesexygood looking
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.feeling very angry or having strong, excited emotions.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The debate grew hot as both sides refused to compromise on the environmental regulations.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The engineer warned the crew that the microphone was hot, so they needed to remain silent behind the scenes.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Slang

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The thieves found it impossible to sell the paintings because the items were too hot for any legitimate dealer to touch.

  8. 08 B1 Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    v.to make something warm or hot.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

Usage hot weather · hot day · hot dry


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”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *keHy-
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated