noun

hotfix

/ˈhɑːtfɪks/ · say it: HOT·fiks

an urgent patch applied to live software

In more detail

1. (noun) a quick software update or patch released to fix a critical bug or problem in an already-released program, without waiting for the next regular update

Examples

The company released a hotfix to stop the app from crashing on startup.

How to use hotfix

Hotfix is primarily used in software development and IT contexts to describe an urgent, temporary solution to a critical problem that cannot wait for the next scheduled release cycle. It is more specific and urgent than a regular patch, implying both speed and criticality. The term is widely used by developers, system administrators, and technical teams.

Common phrases

release a hotfix
apply a hotfix
deploy a hotfix
critical hotfix
hotfix release
hotfix for

Synonyms

patch · bug fix · emergency fix · quick fix · interim patch

Word family

hotfix (noun) · hotfix (verb)

A common mistake

Learners may confuse hotfix with general maintenance updates or patches that are not urgent; hotfix specifically implies an emergency response to a critical issue rather than routine updates.

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