What does hothouse mean?
A hothouse is a greenhouse or similar structure that is kept artificially warm so that plants can grow despite cold weather. Its literal use is associated with horticulture, particularly with delicate flowers, tomatoes, and other plants that benefit from controlled conditions. Figuratively, a hothouse is an environment marked by intense pressure, rapid developments, controversy, or conflict, as in the phrase “political hothouse.” The word is common in both British and American English and can suggest either productive growth, in its literal sense, or overheated and unstable conditions, in its figurative sense. It is usually written as one word, although “hot house” with two words has separate uses and meanings.
A heated greenhouse or similar structure used for growing plants, especially in cold weather; also, figuratively, an intensely pressured or conflictual environment.
"The estate has a hothouse where orchids are cultivated throughout the year."
The figurative sense is usually negative and often occurs in expressions such as “political hothouse.”
To grow or treat plants in a hothouse, especially under artificially warm conditions.
"The nursery hothouses young tomato plants until they are ready for transplantation."
This is a relatively specialized horticultural verb and is less common than the noun.
Used when referring to more than one heated greenhouse or to several such structures.
"The botanic gardens contain several hothouses for tropical plants."
A hothouse can create perfect growing conditions—and, figuratively, a perfect place for pressure, controversy, and political conflict to flourish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hothouse come from?
The word is an English compound formed from “hot” and “house,” literally suggesting a hot building for protecting or growing plants. The compound has long been used for a heated place where plants are cultivated, and its figurative sense developed from the idea of an unusually warm or intense environment. Its component elements belong to familiar English word families: “hot” is related to “heat,” while “house” is related to “household” and “housing.”
Related word forms
How hothouse is actually used
In figurative use, the word is usually critical or disapproving, suggesting an environment of intense pressure, rapid conflict, or limited freedom. It is commonly written as one word; “hot house” is generally used for separate concepts.
Easily confused with hothouse
A hothouse is specifically heated, whereas a greenhouse is a structure for growing plants and may or may not have artificial heating.
A hothouse is a physical structure, while a hotbed is a place or situation that rapidly promotes growth, often used figuratively for rapid development.