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

In gas-free mode, the M5 is limited to the electric motor’s 194 horsepower — acceptable for a Honda Civic, perhaps, but not for a 5,400-lb luxury car. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025

Benelli The engine generates the majority of its power in the middle of the rev range – the peak power is rated at 35 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27 lb-ft (27 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. —New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2025

The 4 promises up to 544 horsepower and 0-60 mph times under 4 seconds. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024

The result is a significant boost in power with an engine capable of producing 435 horsepower and 312 ft lbs of torque. —Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 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