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hotspot

noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈɒtspɒt/

US

  • /ˈhɑtˌspɑt/

Description

A "hotspot" is a place where a lot of something is happening. It might be a trendy cafe full of people, an area with a lot of crime, a region where a disease is spreading quickly, or a Wi-Fi point where you can get online. The idea is simple: this place stands out because it has more activity, attention, or problems than nearby places.

So if a friend says a new restaurant is the hotspot right now, expect a crowd. If the news talks about a wildfire hotspot or a conflict hotspot, it means that area needs special attention. The word can be used for good, bad, or simply important situations.

Examples

  1. 1

    Wi-Fi access

    The cafe has a free Wi-Fi hotspot near the back.

  2. 2

    Phone tethering

    I used my phone as a hotspot when the hotel internet stopped working.

    • Pattern

      use a phone as a hotspot

      share its mobile internet with other devices

  3. 3

    Tourism

    The old market is a tourist hotspot in the summer.

  4. 4

    Wildlife

    This part of the coast is a hotspot for whales in early spring.

    • Pattern

      hotspot for + thing

      a place where that thing is especially common

  5. 5

    Crime areas

    Police are sending extra officers to crime hotspots across the city.

  6. 6

    Political tension

    The border region remains a political hotspot despite the ceasefire.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • hotspotnoun