hotline

UK: /ˈhɒtlaɪn/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hotline / ˈhɒtˌlaɪn/ noun

1. a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, for emergency use
2. any such direct line kept for urgent use

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈhot ˌline, n. [countable]

1. Telecommunications, Government a direct telephone or other link that provides immediate communication between heads of state in crisis.
2. Telecommunications Also, ˈhotˌline. a telephone number providing direct access to a company, professional service, or agency, so as to get information, make a complaint, or receive counseling.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

hot′ line′, 

1. Telecommunications, Government a direct telecommunications link, as a telephone line or Teletype circuit, enabling immediate communication between heads of state in an international crisis:
   the hot line between Washington and Moscow.
2. Telecommunications a telephone service enabling people to talk confidentially with someone about a personal problem or crisis.
3. Telecommunications a telephone line providing customers or clients with direct access to a company or professional service.
Also, hotline. 
• 1950–55

hot•line  (hot′līn′), n. 

1. See hot line. 

adj. 

2. [Chiefly Canadian.] of or pertaining to a radio program that receives telephone calls from listeners on the air.

• hot + line¹ 1950–55