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

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

That horsepower figure can cause some confusion, however. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Trevor Kirby, there for the first time, was strapped into a dragster with a one-cylinder motor that made about seven horsepower. —Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Its powertrain will deliver 663 horsepower and over 615 pound-feet of torque. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Newsweek, 18 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