hotline — A direct telephone line for urgent or emergency communication, often between government officials or for public services
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A direct telephone line for urgent or emergency communication, often between government officials or for public services
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɑːtlaɪn/
Example Sentences
- The company set up a hotline for customers complaining about their exploding smartphones.
- During the pandemic, mental health hotlines experienced unprecedented call volumes.
- The pizza delivery hotline was so busy that even the mayor couldn't get through.
hotline
NOUN[/ˈhɑːtlaɪn/]
A direct telephone line for urgent or emergency communication, often between government officials or for public services
She called the emergency hotline the moment smoke filled the kitchen.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term originated in the 1950s during the Cold War, referring to a direct emergency communication line established between the United States and the Soviet Union. It combines 'hot,' meaning urgent or active, with 'line,' denoting a telephone or communication channel.
Breakdown
hot (urgent, active) + line (telephone connection, circuit). The compound word metaphorically describes an always-ready communication channel for critical matters.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The company set up a hotline for customers complaining about their exploding smartphones.”
“During the pandemic, mental health hotlines experienced unprecedented call volumes.”
“The pizza delivery hotline was so busy that even the mayor couldn't get through.”
“The White House hotline ensures direct communication between world leaders.”
📚Related Words
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