hot line

/hɑt laɪn/

Other forms: hot lines

A hot line is a direct way for two countries to communicate. Since 2007, a Beijing-Washington hot line has allowed the U.S. and Chinese governments to instantly call each other in times of crisis.

A political hot line is a telephone that instantly connects to a single caller, with no dialing required to reach them. Various nations have set up hot lines to facilitate communication, including Russia and the U.S, North and South Korea, and India and Pakistan. Another type of hot line is a number you can always call for help or information: "If you want to help your friend who's being bullied, try calling the crisis hot line for advice."

Definitions of hot line

1. noun

   a direct telephone line between two officials or heads of government, especially used during emergencies
   type of:

   line, phone line, subscriber line, telephone circuit, telephone line

   a telephone connection
2. noun

   a phone service offering immediate help, often in emergencies or other serious issues