1Water at a high temperature, either naturally as in a hot spring, or artificially heated for cookery, washing, or other purposes; (in later use) specifically heated water available on tap (in a home, hotel, etc.).

2Figurative informal. A state of discomfort, difficulty, or painful uncertainty; disgrace, trouble. Chiefly in "in hot water".

3In plural Alcoholic spirits obtained by distillation; spirituous liquors. Now historical.