horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

: the power that a horse exerts in pulling

2

: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second

3

: effective power

intellectual horsepower

computing horsepower

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• might
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of horsepower in a Sentence

an engine with 200 horsepower

that architectural firm probably doesn't have the creative horsepower to produce a truly innovative design

Recent Examples on the Web

Other than that, the vehicle’s specifications are pretty much the same: dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain capable of 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of torque, a zero to 60mph time of about 3.4 seconds, and the iconic seven-pillar grille lit by LEDs. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 May 2024

Power and traction control start with a 1.5L liter Ecoboost inline 3 cylinder gas engine with automatic stop and go, that makes 181 HP horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, bolted to an 8 speed automatic transmission, then routed into a full time AWD all wheel drive 4×4 transfer case. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

The Essentials The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater combines 819 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. —Hannah Elliott, Fortune Europe, 26 May 2024

At 771 horsepower, the new system will be more powerful than either predecessor. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 17 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horsepower

• shaft horsepower

Kids Definition

horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r 

: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equal to the English unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second