Having a high degree of heat or a high temperature

• - it was hot inside the hall

• - basking under a hot sun

Feeling or producing an uncomfortable sensation of heat

• - she felt hot and her throat was parched

(of food or drink) Prepared by heating and served without cooling

(of an electric circuit) At a high voltage; live

Radioactive

(of food) Containing or consisting of pungent spices or peppers that produce a burning sensation when tasted

• - a very hot dish cooked with green chili

Passionately enthusiastic, eager, or excited

• - the idea had been nurtured in his hot imagination

Lustful, amorous, or erotic

• - steamy bed scenes that may be too hot for young fans

Angry, indignant, or upset

• - her reply came boiling out of her, hot with rage

(of music, esp. jazz) Strongly rhythmical and excitingly played

• - hot salsa and lambada dancing

Involving much activity, debate, or intense feeling

• - the environment has become a very hot issue

(esp. of news) Fresh or recent and therefore of great interest

• - have I got some hot gossip for you!

Currently popular, fashionable, or in demand

• - they know the hottest dance moves

Difficult to deal with; awkward or dangerous

• - he found my story simply too hot to handle

(of a hit or return in ball games) Difficult for an opponent to deal with

• - fielding a hot grounder at third

(of the scent) Fresh and strong, indicating that the quarry has passed recently

(of goods) Stolen and difficult to dispose of because easily identifiable

(of a person) Wanted by the police

(in children's games) Very close to finding or guessing something

Knowledgeable or skillful

• - Tony is very hot on local history

Good; promising

• - this is not so hot for business

Considering as very important; strict about

• - local customs officers are hot on confiscations