# hub

/ˈhəb/ (US) · /hˈʌb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hub
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. center of activity

noun · CEFR B2

the most important or busy center of a particular activity or place.

For teachers: the effective center of an activity, region, or network.

- The city has become a major technology hub with many new startup companies.
- The capital serves as the nation's economic hub, attracting investment from across the globe and housing the headquarters of major financial institutions.

### 2. transport center

noun · CEFR B2

a central airport or station where many different routes meet.

For teachers: a central point in a transport system where many routes converge and passengers or goods are transferred.

- We had to change planes at the airline's main hub in Dubai.
- The logistics company established a regional hub near the port to streamline the distribution of goods across the northern provinces.

### 3. part of a wheel

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the central part of a wheel that the other parts connect to.

For teachers: the central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle, and from which the spokes radiate.

- The mechanic noticed that the hub of the front wheel was cracked.
- The cyclist carefully greased the wheel hub to ensure the bearings would rotate smoothly during the long-distance race.

### 4. computing device

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a device used to connect several computers or electronic pieces together in a network.

For teachers: a hardware device used to connect multiple Ethernet devices together and make them act as a single network segment.

- I bought a USB hub so I could plug my mouse, keyboard, and printer into one port.
- The network administrator replaced the old passive hub with a high-speed switch to reduce data collisions and improve overall office connectivity.

### 5. video game area

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a central area in a video game where you can choose which level to play next.

For teachers: a central world or menu area in a video game from which various levels or game modes are accessed.

- After finishing the first mission, you return to the hub to upgrade your weapons.
- The game's hub world is filled with non-playable characters who provide side quests and lore before the player enters the main dungeons.

## Examples

- The airport is a major hub for international flights.
- The kitchen became the social hub of the house during the party, with everyone gathering around the island.
- By positioning itself as a regional financial hub, the city attracted significant foreign investment and a diverse workforce of skilled professionals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.