Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A direct and immediate telephone linkup, especially between heads of government, as for use in a crisis.
  • noun A telephone line that gives quick and direct access to a source of information or help.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The telephone line that is always staffed and able to give immediate assistance; its telephone number
  • noun A direct line between two people, especially one between heads of state to be used in an emergency
  • verb To communicate telephonically over a hotline.

Etymologies

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